Most zombie fiction rely on a common plot device: an unknown illness spreads rapidly through a population, moving quickly through an expanding area.

In this modern medical age, this premise might sound far fetched, but the fact remains there is much we still do not know about the viruses and bacteria who share our planet.

According to information from Centers for Disease Control, a stomach bug has caused illness in more than 250 people in a six state area. The cyclospora infection causing diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms has been reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia and Connecticut. At least 10 people required hospital treatment.Most of the reported illnesses occurred from mid-June to early July.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the cyclospora infections, which are most often found in tropical or subtropical countries and have been linked to imported fresh produce in the past.

The illness is usually spread when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces. The agency says it isn’t yet clear whether the cases from all the states are linked.

While cyclospora isn’t going to turn people into zombies, this outbreak serves as a reminder that even though we have the greatest understanding of human health in the history of mankind, there are still medical mysteries out there.