A surge of parasitic illness causing "explosive" diarrhea is being reported across 18 states, with some of the hardest hit areas including the midwest and states such as Michigan, New York, Illinois, and Texas. The illness, identified as cyclospora, has resulted in over 1,000 cases, although the exact number and distribution of cases is not entirely clear. The CDC is investigating the outbreak, amid concerns that recent workforce cuts may impact the response to the growing health issue.