CDC: 250 in 6 states have unidentified stomach bug

WASHINGTON — More than 250 people in at least six states have come down with a stomach bug that could be linked to foodborne illness.

The Centers for Disease Control says the cyclospora infection causing diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms has been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia and Connecticut. The CDC says 10 people have been hospitalized and most of the reported illnesses occurred from mid-June to early July.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the cyclospora infections, which are most often found in tropical or subtropical countries and have been linked to imported fresh produce in the past.

The illness is usually spread when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces. The agency says it isn’t yet clear whether the cases from all the states are linked.