CDC: 250 people in 6 states have unidentified stomach bug

Updated 7/24

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 and Prevention says the cyclospora infection causing diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms has been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia and Connecticut. The CDC said 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 foods or water contaminated with feces. The agency said it isn't yet clear whether the cases from all of the states are linked.

The number of reported illnesses expanded from more than 200 to more than 250 on Tuesday, according to the CDC. At press time more than 275 people had taken ill. The CDC added Georgia, Connecticut and New Jersey to the list of affected states.

The agency said it is investigating additional illnesses and the number of those sickened could grow.