Food Parasite Hits NYC, Source Remains Unknown: CDC

NEW YORK CITY — A nasty food parasite has struck in New York City and researchers still don't know the source, officials said.

More than 200 people in the U.S., including the city, have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis — an intestinal infection caused by a parasite called Cyclospora — since April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The parasite so far has hit 22 states and New York City. Thirty people have hospitalized.

CDC data indicates between 21 and 30 people in New York state fell ill with cyclosporiasis since April.

"No specific food items have been identified as the source of most of these illnesses," a CDC alert states.

Cyclospora is a one-celled parasite that is typically spread by people ingesting food or water contaminated with feces.

The parasite infects people's small intestine and usually causes watery diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms, according to the CDC.

Past foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.

CDC officials during this latest batch of infections have linked 20 cases in Georgia and Alabama to raw imported broccoli, according to an investigative summary.

Those states' outbreak appears to be over, CDC officials said, adding the caveat that its source might not be the same as elsewhere.

"There is no indication at this time that broccoli continues to be a source of illness for other cyclosporiasis cases being reported in the United States," a summary states.

Read more about the outbreak here.