LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Cases of cyclosporiasis are on the rise in Indiana, with the state reporting more than 600 cases since May.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, there were 684 cases confirmed since May 1, as of Thursday, July 23.
Data from the health department shows 376 cases in women and 308 in men. The age range of patients is 8-98 years old.
"Several states across the Midwest have identified case increases and suspected clusters and outbreaks," a dashboard on the health department's website says. "The source of many of these cases has not yet been identified."
Local counties are also reporting cases, with 33 in Clark, 35 in Floyd, 36 in Harrison and three in Scott County as of Thursday. Allen County has the highest numbers reported at 109.
This comes as federal health officials investigate a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite, including 72 people as of Wednesday.
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet identified which products are linked to the illnesses or where the cases are located. Federal officials are still focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a separate, multistate outbreak. Last week, the company announced it was recalling iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water. When ingested, the parasite causes intestinal illness marked by "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal and state health authorities have been investigating separate clusters of cyclospora illnesses, including the one traced to Taylor Farms.
Food safety tips include washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Experts say cooking can kill the parasite and advise cooking produce to a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius.)
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
