KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to multiply across the country, and the state of Missouri’s count is no different.

As of Thursday morning, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported 80 cases of the disease this week, which has been linked to “explosive diarrhea” across the country.

Days ago, the case number was 43.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a type of food poisoning called cyclosporiasis. The most notable symptom people report is frequent, watery diarrhea. This is different than the occasional diarrhea and should be taken seriously, the health department stated.

The state of Kansas has listed 55 cases of the disease, with 25 of those in Johnson County.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services identified lettuce and other greens in salad as a potential source of the outbreak. There, more than 3,300 cases have been reported.

As that was taking place, fast-food giant Taco Bell issued a statement acknowledging it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

Symptoms of the cyclosporiasis occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• frequent watery diarrhea
• loss of appetite and weight
• abdominal cramps and bloating
• nausea
• low-grade fever

A Missouri teen was shot dead while hanging out with her friends, who are accused of not reporting the killing before her mother made the horrifying discovery inside their home.

Gabbriana Boyster, 16, was allegedly struck in the head in a Hillsboro, Missouri, home Friday night — with her body not being found by her mom, Candy G’Sell, until the following afternoon, KDSK reported.

“I walked in the room and she was laying there… sitting up,” the grieving mother told the outlet.

G’Sell immediately called 911, but by the time paramedics arrived, her daughter had already been dead for hours.

Investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Boyster was shot Friday evening, and her body remained inside the home “for hours” until her mother made the devastating discovery, according to the outlet.

Police did not disclose what led to the fatal shooting or who owned the weapon.

Three boys were at Boyster’s home at the time of the shooting, investigators suspect, and one has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon resulting in death, armed criminal action, and abandonment of a corpse.

The two other juveniles were released from custody following charges of abandonment of a corpse.

The identities of all three minors are being withheld by authorities due to their ages.

G’Sell said the three boys were friends with her daughter.

“It’s not fair. My daughter was sweet and innocent and kind. And she loved her friends… for them, her friends, to just leave her…” the grief-stricken mother said.

“There’s no relief. My baby is gone. What mother wants to bury their baby?”

Gabby, as she was known to loved ones, was an incoming junior at Hillsboro High School with dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician after graduation.

The district’s superintendent, Dr. Jon Isaacson, released a statement Tuesday saying that “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss,” KMOV reported.

“While words cannot take away the pain of this tragedy, we want our students, staff, and families to know they are not alone. We are committed to providing support and care for everyone who is grieving during this difficult time.”

Boyster, the youngest of three siblings, “brought warmth and laughter to those fortunate enough to know her,” according to an online obituary.

“Although she could be quiet at first, once she opened up, her vibrant personality and gift for conversation quickly shined through,” the obituary read.

“Her kind heart, playful spirit, and the joy she brought to others will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”

Missouri health officials are investigating dozens of confirmed or probable cases of cyclosporiasis, the intestinal infection that has sickened thousands of people across the country this summer.

As of Sunday, the state Department of Health and Senior Services logged 43 cases of the infection, which causes diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. The department data does not include where in the state cases have been reported.

Missouri has a relatively small number of reported cases compared to Michigan and other states at the center of the outbreak.

Illinois health officials have reported 216 cases of the infection, according to the state’s health department. In Michigan, which has the most reported cases, health officials have logged more than 3,700 cyclospora infections.

Officials expect that number to go up as more people are tested. Because people with diarrhea rarely go to the doctor and even fewer of those people receive the necessary stool sample test, it’s likely more people are infected.

Local health departments are following up with patients to get their food and travel history, which could help identify where the parasite came from.

Cyclosporiasis can cause watery diarrhea, nausea and dehydration. Unlike other illnesses caused by food-borne pathogens, fever and vomiting are relatively rare symptoms. Most people recover from the infection without treatment, but antibiotics can clear the infection.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no deaths have been reported due to the current outbreak.

Cyclospora, a parasite that can only be seen through a microscope, is spread through human feces. Past outbreaks have been linked to leafy greens, but officials have not yet found the cause of this year’s outbreak.

People can prevent the illness by thoroughly washing produce, cutting off bruised or damaged bits and refrigerating cut fruits and vegetables. Heat kills the parasite, so cooking vegetables can also cut down on risk.