Lettuce linked to U.S. parasite outbreak

A recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness has spread to more parts of the United States.

Health officials say the number of affected states has now increased to nine making it the largest known outbreak of its kind in the country.

According to the latest update from U.S. health authorities the outbreak was first reported in Indiana Kentucky, Michigan Ohio and West Virginia.

It has now also been confirmed in Illinois Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

Investigators believe most of the cases are linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico.

The lettuce is believed to have been contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite.

Although cyclosporiasis is usually not life threatening experts say it can cause severe symptoms.  These include frequent watery diarrhea vomiting stomach cramps nausea and extreme tiredness.

Officials say people in the newly affected states became sick around the same time as earlier patients suggesting they may have been exposed to the same shipment of contaminated lettuce.

Health authorities are urging anyone who develops these symptoms after eating contaminated food to seek medical care as soon as possible.

The investigation into the source of the outbreak is still ongoing.