New Jersey health officials have identified one case of a severe stomach bug believed to be linked to an outbreak of illness in 15 states caused by a rare parasite.The patient is a woman from Mercer County.

Prepackaged salad mix has been identified as the source of cyclospora infections in two of the hardest hit states, Iowa and Nebraska.

But state and federal authorities say it's not clear whether illnesses elsewhere are also linked to that produce.

New Jersey averages eight cases of cyclospora infection a year and that's how many have been reported so far this year in the state. Seven are not associated with the current outbreak.

Cyclospora infection comes from eating food contaminated with feces. It causes diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms.

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM