HEALTH
Local cyclosporiasis cases surpass 1,800. What Hoosiers should know
Katie WisemanCheryl V. JacksonChris SimsIndianapolis Star
Aug. 7, 2026, 2:53 p.m. ET
While cyclosporiasis cases are finally on the decline in neighboring Michigan, cases continue to rise around the state in Indiana
One county has surpassed 400 reports, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Several other counties with high numbers have now surpassed 100 cases
“The Indiana Department of Health has not identified any additional highly suspected food items for this outbreak outside of the recalled lettuce, however, investigations are ongoing as we continue to identify new cases,” media relations coordinator Lisa Welch for the IDOH told IndyStar on Aug. 7
Cyclosporiasis in Central Indiana
In Marion County, the health department reported 131 cases so far as of Aug. 7, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the surrounding counties:
- Boone County: 7 cases.
- Hamilton County: 28 cases.
- Hancock County: 31 cases.
- Hendricks County: 24 cases.
- Johnson County: 6 cases.
- Morgan County: 19 cases.
Cyclosporiasis around the state
Not including Marion County, the following counties have the highest number of cases, according to IDOH:
- Allen County: 449 cases.
- Steuben County: 125 cases.
- Noble County: 131 cases.
- DeKalb County: 127 cases.
- Elkhart County: 89 cases.
- Kosciusko County: 94 cases.
- Harrison County: 72 cases.
2 Michigan deaths connected to outbreak
Michigan officials reported 11,234 confirmed cases and two resulting deaths on Monday, Aug. 3, noting that both patients also had “significant underlying health conditions” that the illness and resulting dehydration may have affected
Additional information about the patients has not yet been released to the public, USA TODAY reported
Health officials said death from cyclosporiasis infection is “uncommon” in the United States
Cyclosporiasis outbreak 2026: What is Cyclospora? Is the parasite outbreak contagious?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness, according to the CDC. A microscopic parasite — known as Cyclospora — causes infection during the consumption of food or water where the parasite is present
The illness is not contagious, and is usually not life-threatening
“There is no cause for concern as cyclosporiasis can’t be easily spread from person to person,” Welch said
What are cyclosporiasis symptoms? Does cyclosporiasis cause ‘explosive diarrhea’?
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually occur within 2 days, or up to more than 2 weeks. The most common symptom is “watery, explosive diarrhea.” Other symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Increased gas
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Watery diarrhea
- Weight loss
Less common symptoms may include:
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Vomiting
- Other flu-like symptoms
What to do if you think you have cyclosporiasis
Contact your doctor if you believe you have the infection so you can get tested
If you test positive for cyclosporiasis, your local or state public health department will reach out for an interview. The information you provide is extremely valuable to try and determine what made you sick and hopefully prevent others from getting sick
The following groups of people should not return to work or school until approved by the local health department:
- <a href="https://healthylife7.com/nurse-camp-inspires-central-iowa-students-to-explore-healthcare-careers/” title=”Nurse Camp inspires central Iowa students to explore healthcare careers”>Healthcare workers
- Food handlers such as in restaurants, catering, or cafeterias
- Daycare or school workers
- Children attending daycare or school
If any of these apply to you, then you must meet certain requirements to return to work or school
Once you or your child start having symptoms of the illness, such as diarrhea, do not attend work (specifically for food handlers, healthcare workers, daycare workers) or attend daycare or school until a healthcare provider or someone from your local health department says you are clear to go back
This guidance is in line with what IDOH usually recommends for anyone experiencing acute diarrhea symptoms
