The stomach parasite cyclospora has infected at least 285 people in 11 cities. For over a month now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been investigating the stomach bug that has caused diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and other symptoms common to intestinal infection. More than 18 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak.

In a report by the Daily News, Dr. Barbara Herwaldt, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC explains that though there is still no confirmed cause of the bug, previous outbreaks have shown connection with fresh produce. The parasite cyclospora commonly breeds in fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs often grown in tropical regions. CDC is considering the possibility that the parasites are spreading in connection to fresh produce in the affected areas.

"Because no food item has been implicated to date, we're not yet sure the cases in the various states are related." But to be safe, Herwaldt further cautions people to thoroughly wash their fresh fruits and vegetables before consuming.  

Experts strongly advise that people seek immediate medical care and ask to be tested once they suspect cyclospora-like symptoms which may be easily mistaken for the usual intestinal flu.

The infection can last from a few days to over a month. According to a report by Examiner, health officials say the parasite may be killed using a combined dose of antibiotics that contain trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; examples are Bactrim, Pediazole, and Septra. If treatment is not properly given to a patient a relapse may occur. For individuals with weaker immune systems, longer treatment may be necessary to ensure full recovery. But there are also many cases that did not require treatment at a hospital.

"The good news is that the infection is easily treatable with readily available antibiotics," Herwaldt told the Daily News in a report.