More than 275 people throughout eight states have been infected with a stomach bug since last month, but health officials have not found the virus' origin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infection has been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Connecticut and New Jersey, reports USA Today. Most of the illnesses occurred from mid-June to early July. However, the CDC says it isn't clear whether the cases are all linked.
Cyclospora, the one-celled parasite that causes symptoms commonly associated with a viral stomach bug, is customary in tropical regions like Latin America, not the United States, states the CDC.
Unlike most stomach viruses that go away within a few days, the illness can last longer. Its symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss.
The illness, which has sent at least 10 people to the hospital, is not spread person-to-person, but rather when people ingest foods or water contaminated with feces.
"CDC really has their hands full with this one," said Dr. Richard Besser, chief health medical correspondent for ABC News. "It's hard to pick up so there's probably a lot more of this disease out there."
The disease is curable with an antibiotic. Dr. Besser suggested alerting your doctor if you think you have it because physicians can do specific tests and prescribe the treatment that will rid your body of the illness.
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