Earlier this week the CDC reported that at least 275 people in 7 states (Texas, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Georgia, Connecticut, and New Jersey) have become infected with what's being called a "mystery stomach bug."

The panic over the sudden outbreak of this food-borne illness has caused some confusion, leading concerned citizens to believe it's some sort of "super flu." The flu is caused by a virus; the GI bug in question is actually caused by a parasite called cyclospora, and it's both preventable and treatable.

Cyclosporiasis - Definition and Transmission

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasitic organism which causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. It is spread through food or water that has been contaminated by the parasite. Unlike the flu virus, cyclospora isn't passed directly from person to person; it is passed through fecal contamination (fecal-oral route) of fruits, vegetables and water.

Infected humans shed the oocysts in their stool, which means the infection is spreading from either irrigation water contaminated with the parasite or from pickers and packers who do not thoroughly wash their hands before returning to work.

Although it is found in many developing countries, the parasite is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, from where fruits and vegetables are often imported to the U.S.

This parasite may also be spread through contaminated public swimming pools and hot tubs by infected individuals, as these parasites survive the chlorination process. It is possible to be a carrier (like Typhoid Mary!) and unknowingly spread the infection to others.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

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