Researchers at CU Anschutz investigate what menopausal hormone therapy might mean for age-related macular degeneration, which disproportionately affects women.

People across the United States are taking a closer look at their lettuce and leafy greens this summer thanks to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that causes several symptoms, the most notable being severe, watery diarrhea.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(opens in a new window), there are 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states, with over 5,100 additional cases requiring further analysis. And the illness has hit our own state, with reports in New York City.

The illness can affect anyone, but who is most at risk? We spoke with Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi, an infectious disease expert and Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Binghamton University, State University of New York about what causes the illness, who is likely to be hit the hardest, and how to stay safe.

Dubbed the “nightmare stomach bug,” with nearly 7,000 currently confirmed or suspected cases of cyclosporiasis in several U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, many consumers may be wondering how to protect themself from the foodborne illness, which is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora and includes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and fatigue.