Eight states have reported infections of a parasitic stomach bug, over 250 cases have been reported so far.
The infected states include: "Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia and Connecticut. Illinois and Kansas have recently reported cases as well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
"It [tends] to be found in the tropics. It's had some outbreaks in the past from raspberries and basil," a stomach bug alert said, via ABC News.
"You want to go to your doctor [if you experience symptoms]. You have to tell them you heard about this outbreak because there are special tests that have to be done. If they diagnose it properly, there's an antibiotic to take care of the symptoms," the alert said. The CDC also recommends rest and a healthy fluid intake.
The offending parasite, Cyclospora, is "composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope."
Researchers have not yet pinpointed the source of the infection, but it will most likely be found in fresh produce.
"What we don't know yet is whether the transmission or spread of the parasite is ongoing," Dr. Barbara Herwaldt, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC's division of parasitic diseases and malaria centers, said.
Raspberries were responsible for infections in 1996 and 1997, the outbreak caused illness in over 2,000 people, NBC News reported.
"Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes 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," the CDC stated. The infection can also be asymptomatic.
Iowa authorities gave suggestions on how to properly wash fruits and vegetables, USA Today reported.
"We're not just talking about running them under some water and giving them a little pat," Barbara Chadwick, clinical services manager for the Linn County Health Department, said. "It's about soaking them and giving them a good scrubbing."
In May, berries from Townsend Farms infected over 150 people with Hepatitis A, Food Safety News reported.
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