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A cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has left hundreds of Americans with a stomach-churning parasitic infection, has now been linked to nine states, according to federal health officials.Those nine states include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 24. Previously, just five states were connected, including Michigan, which accounted for a high number of the cases.The CDC is still investigating other cyclosporiasis illnesses that are unrelated to this outbreak, the agency added."This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported," the CDC noted. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora."In addition to the Michigan-centered outbreak, which was linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, officials are also investigating a smaller outbreak that has sickened at least 72 people. The Food and Drug Administration said it has not yet identified the source of the newer outbreak and has launched a traceback investigation.Across the country, reported cases continue to grow, with the CDC reporting more than 4,100 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the United States since May 1. Overall, cases have been reported in 41 states, the CDC said. The CDC's case numbers can lag by as much as six weeks behind those cited by state health officials, due to tracking, verification and reporting processes, the agency said.Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
