Cyclospora cases are rising in Indiana: Symptoms and where to get treated

Cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora, have increased in Indiana and other states this summer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has received reports of over 1,600 confirmed domestic cases since May 1, 2026. The Indiana Department of Health said around 206 cases have been reported as of July 14.

Public health officials in Indiana, including Marion County, are monitoring confirmed cases and investigating potential sources of exposure. Active updates on case counts, medical statistics and other important information about Cyclospora can be found on the CDC Cyclosporiasis surveillance website.

What is the explosive diarrhea illness going around?

"Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which can’t be seen by the naked eye. It can be found in food or water that is contaminated and infects people who consume it," says IU Health Bloomington Infectious Disease physician Cody Jinnette, DO.

Cyclosporiasis is different from other stomach illnesses because it can last for several days or even weeks if left untreated. It is usually not life-threatening. Most people recover from cyclosporiasis, but the symptoms can be disruptive to daily life and may last for several days or even weeks without treatment.

What are the symptoms?

The primary symptom of Cyclospora is frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea. These uncontrollable bowel movements are sudden, forceful and can be painful. Symptoms typically begin about one week after consuming food or drinks containing Cyclospora.

Without treatment, symptoms can range from a few days up to one month or longer. Symptoms like diarrhea may go away temporarily and come back, and others such as fatigue may continue after stomach-related symptoms have stopped.

Additional symptoms may include the following:

• Watery, explosive diarrhea
• Severe abdominal cramping and bloating
• Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Where can I get tested?

For many patients, care can begin with IU Health On-Demand Virtual Visits. Virtual care allows patients to connect with a healthcare provider from the comfort of their home to discuss symptoms, review possible exposures and determine next steps. During a virtual visit, providers can assess symptoms and determine whether additional testing or in-person care is needed. Testing typically requires a stool sample, and results are generally available within 48 to 72 hours.

While virtual care may be a convenient first option for many patients, there are situations when urgent, in-person evaluation is more appropriate. Patients should consider visiting an IU Health Urgent Care location or visiting their primary care provider if they are experiencing signs of dehydration, are unable to keep fluids down, have persistent vomiting or have symptoms that continue to worsen.

If you are experiencing fevers (>101 F), severe dehydration, or bloody diarrhea, please seek care at the Emergency Department.

Seeking care early can help you receive the appropriate testing, treatment and guidance for recovery. Whether through a virtual visit, an urgent care location or your primary care provider, IU Health offers multiple ways for patients to access care when gastrointestinal symptoms arise.

How is Cyclospora treated?

While it may go away by itself for healthy individuals, the symptoms can last longer or come back without treatment. A 7- to 10-day course of antibiotics is the recommended treatment for Cyclospora infections. Individuals with compromised immune systems may require longer treatment.

“Cyclosporiasis is commonly a self-limiting infection, that is, most people will recover on their own without any medical treatment,” says Blaine Takesue, MD. “However, people with a weakened immune system, such as those with cancer, those taking medications that affect the immune system, the elderly and very young may need antibiotics to eliminate the cyclospora parasite.”

Some individuals are more at risk of severe complications than others, including:

• The very young
• The elderly
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Anyone who is immunosuppressed

Symptom management includes staying hydrated with plenty of water or electrolyte-replacement fluids and getting plenty of rest. Based on individual circumstances, your primary care provider may suggest over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication.

How to handle fruits and vegetables safely

Before and after preparing or handling any food, but especially raw fruits or vegetables, be sure to wash hands with soap and water thoroughly. Before eating, cutting or cooking raw fruits and vegetables, start by washing them completely under running water. Scrub hard produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean brush. Cut off any damaged or bruised areas of the produce.

It is important to thoroughly clean produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed, as they may still be contaminated with Cyclospora. Cleaning produce is a great way to lower the risk of infection, but it may not remove all parasites from the food, according to the NIH. Fruits and vegetables that cannot be cleaned thoroughly or cooked to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided.

What foods should be avoided during an outbreak?

Unless public health officials announce a specific food that is recalled, it is not necessary to avoid all fresh fruits and vegetables. But, you may want to consider avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables that have harder to wash exteriors, like raspberries, blackberries and asparagus. You may also want to avoid pre-packaged salad mixes as they have been linked to outbreaks, are difficult to wash, and are consumed without cooking.

Continue following safe food preparation instructions. If high-risk foods cannot be properly cleaned and stored, avoid those foods. The best way to avoid risk of infection is to avoid food and water from unsafe sources, according to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. If a specific food recall is announced, avoid that food according to the guidance.

Helpful resources

Information about infectious diseases may be helpful when thinking about Cyclospora. It is also important to consider how to identify reliable health information online.

Public health organizations, like the Indiana State Department of Health, CDC or NIH, can provide information on current case counts, medical statistics or prevention guidance.

While cyclosporiasis can cause uncomfortable symptoms, most people recover fully with appropriate care. Paying attention to symptoms, practicing safe food handling and reaching out to your healthcare provider when needed can help you stay healthy and informed.