The number of cases of an intestinal illness that causes diarrhea lasting an average of nearly two months continues to increase, in Iowa. Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health say as of today (Friday), 45 cases of cyclosporiasis have been identified in 15 counties. That’s six more counties and more than double the number of cases which was reported on Monday.Each of the cases were confirmed through tests conducted at the State Hygenic Lab.

Included among the counties where the illness has been reported, are: Dallas, Mills, Pottawattamie and Woodbury, here in western Iowa. Two cases were reported in Mills and Dallas Counties, with one case each being reported in Pott. and Woodbury Counties. Linn County has the most cases with 21, and that’s 11 more then was reported Monday.

People are infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with infected human feces. Illness is caused by a parasite. Watery diarrhea, severe tiredness, and nausea are common symptoms and usually begin within a week. Most of those now ill began to notice symptoms in June.

Other Midwest states also have cases including Nebraska. Health officials recommend washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly although no specific source has been identified yet.