OAK BROOK, IL – Two state health departments are scrutinizing clustered outbreaks of intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite and some cases may be linked to McDonald's salads. Illinois has seen 90 cases since mid-May, while Iowa reports 15 cases since late June, according to CNN.

Intestinal illness results from consuming the parasite, which may be found in contaminated food or water. Symptoms, including severe diarrhea, can begin a week or more after consuming cyclospora. Some victims may experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, headache, fever, body aches and flu-like symptoms.

The illness can last from a few days to a few months. Sufferers might feel better for a short period and then relapse. 

Approximately one-fourth of the Illinois cases reported eating salads from McDonald's in the days before they became ill. McDonald's is cooperating with health officials and voluntarily stopped selling salads at the suspected restaurants. The parasite cyclospora is also the culprit behind a current outbreak linked to recalled Del Monte Fresh vegetable trays.