A fast-spreading stomach parasite has sickened thousands of people across more than 30 US states.

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has affected multiple US states, causing thousands of cases of explosive diarrhoea linked to contaminated food or water.

As state health officials scramble to find the source of the foodborne parasite, the CDC said Friday it’s unclear whether the outbreaks across the country are connected.

A widespread parasite outbreak in the US causes diarrhea, affecting 31 states; learn about symptoms, transmission, and prevention.

Cyclosporiasis has been reported in 31 states and has hospitalized 86 people as of July 9, according to statistics reported to the CDC.