A single-celled parasite, know as Cyclospora , has been causing illnesses in several states. The states reporting the highest number of cases are Texas, Nebraska and Iowa.

The disease causes flu-like symptoms such as nausea , fatigue and diarrhea . Cyclospora is normally found in more tropical climates and scientists are not sure why it is in the US.

Health authorities report that a total of 353 patients have been diagnosed with the disease , but that there are probably more cases than that as it is difficult to spot the parasite. Though not life threatening, without treatment the disease can hang around for up to two months. It is easily treated with antibiotics .

The source of the outbreak has yet to be determined , but is believed to be food-borne . Luckily , it does not appear to spread from person to person.