After over a month of research and investigation, health officials finally found a lead to the cause of the mysterious stomach bug cyclospora that has sickened hundreds across the US. According to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Sciences (NDHHS), prepackaged salad mix is the source of the parasite's spread in at least two states -- Nebraska and Iowa.

In a press release circulated by the NDHHS, Dr. Joseph Acierno, Chief Medical Officer and Director, explained, "Our goal is to protect Nebraskans, pinpoint the source of the illness and make sure the risk is eliminated. Our investigation implicated prepackaged, prewashed, salad mix as the cause of this outbreak."

To date, 78 Nebraskans have been infected with the cyclospora parasite, and more are recorded each day.

The NDHHS press release further added that, "DHHS' investigation also shows the salad mix which includes iceberg and romaine lettuce along with red cabbage and carrots came through national distribution channels. Locally grown produce is not part of this outbreak."

The same prepackaged store-sold salad is also blamed for the outbreak in nearby Iowa, which records the most number of cases at more than 140. Iowa authorities confirmed that some 80 percent of those infected with the stomach bug consumed the salad mix. But health officials say the product has already been pulled from stores in the state.

Health officials from other states are still investigating the possibility of the same brand of store-sold packaged salad mix causing the outbreak in other states. The product's brand has not been disclosed.

Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite transmitted through contaminated food and water. Once a person is infected, the bug causes the same symptoms common to food poisoning, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea among others. Without immediate treatment the illness may last from a few days to over a month. There have been more than 370 reported cases of cyclospora infection in this current outbreak.