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Health & Wellness
Stomach Bug Spreading in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says mysterious stomach infections have been reported in at least 14 states: Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey and Ohio. It's thought to be a Cyclospora infection, linked to package lettuce.
Cyclospora infection causes watery, and sometimes explosive, diarrhea. The one-celled parasite that causes cyclospora infection can enter the body through ingesting contaminated food or water. Fresh produce is the culprit in many cases of Cyclospora infection. Because diarrhea can be caused by many things, it can be difficult to diagnose Cyclospora infection. A specialized test is required to identify the Cyclospora parasite in stool samples. Treatment for Cyclospora infection is antibiotics. Food safety precautions may help to prevent the disease.
Read more: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention