By  Jennifer Keiper, WLS-AM 890 News

(CHICAGO)  Illinois health officials have been looking into a rise in parasitic illnesses and now Iowa health officials are doing the same.  It appears to be connected to a Chicago-based fast food chain.

The parasite Cyclospora is commonly found in developing countries and is contracted by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite.  It causes intestinal problems that can last a few days to a few months.

At least 90 cases have been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health, in counties across the state, since mid-May.  Iowa Public Health officials say they have over a dozen cases reported since late June.

The illnesses appears to be connected to the eating of salads from McDonalds restaurants, although, Illinois Health Director Dr. Nirav Shah says they are also investigating other sources.

Health officials say McDonald’s is conducting its own investigation and has been fully cooperating with state health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.

@ 2018 WLS-AM News