Oh No. Stomach Ailment Involving A Parasite Has Hit Alaska

A Parasite Is Causing Stomach Ailments, Including In Alaska 

A surprisingly varied number of food items -- eggs, raw milk, onions, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, salami and unknown other foods -- are causing serious food illnesses across the U.S. 

The list is alarmingly unhelpful. Mainly, it consists of the types of foods we'd often considered 'healthy' -- such as basil and herbs, melons, strawberries and blueberries. 

Extensive washing of food items is apparently vital to keep from getting the parasite. Alaska is one of the 17 states that's seen an outbreak. 

A parasite is not a germ or virus. It requires antibiotics to fight it off, and can last for many months if you don't take medicine. It can seriously injure children, older people, and people who have immune problems, the CDC says.