The CDC has been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis. Cycloporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. It is spread by food or water that is contaminated with feces.
The symptoms include watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
As of July 23, 2013 the CDC has been notified of more than 275 cases of Cyclospora infection in residents of multiple states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Illinois and Kansas have also notified CDC of one case each that may have been acquired out-of-state but in the United States.
At least 10 people have reportedly been hospitalized in 3 states.
The cause of this outbreak has not been identified; and it is not clear if the cases from all the states are connected.