Parasitic Outbreak Tied to Lettuce Spreads to 31 States

Health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are running far above normal this summer, with produce a suspected culprit

A nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause severe, "explosive" diarrhea, has now been reported in 31 states, according to PBS NewsHour.

Health officials in Michigan say lettuce or other salad greens may be the source of that state's cases, The Hill reported. The parasite behind the illness, Cyclospora, is typically spread through contaminated produce or water.

While the United States has seen cyclosporiasis outbreaks before, officials say this summer's case count is significantly higher than normal, raising concern among public health authorities tracking its spread across the country.

The exact source of the broader, multistate outbreak had not been confirmed.

— Compiled from reporting by The Hill and PBS NewsHour.