Fort Wayne’s cyclosporiasis count reaches 276 as Parkview keeps salad products off menus

Allen County has 276 reported cyclosporiasis cases in the latest Indiana Department of Health data, the highest county total listed in the state. Parkview Health continues to keep lettuce and salad-mix products off patient menus, retail cafeteria offerings and bistro menus across its facilities as public-health agencies investigate the illnesses.

The Indiana Department of Health page was last updated July 31, 2026, with counts reported as of noon. It lists 1,285 reported cases statewide since May 1, 2026. The counts are subject to change as additional information becomes available.

Parkview action is precautionary

Parkview announced July 16 that it had removed all lettuce and salad-mix products from patient menus, retail cafeterias and bistros across its facilities. The health system said the change was made as a precaution while public-health officials continue investigating the increase in cyclosporiasis cases.

Parkview said no cases had been linked to its facilities and that no compromised ingredients had been identified within its operations. The announcement did not describe the menu change as a regulatory order or product recall, and it did not establish that Parkview food, lettuce, salad mix or another specific ingredient caused any reported illness.

Investigation has not identified a common source

The Indiana Department of Health says the source of many reported cases has not yet been identified and that it is working with local, state and federal public-health partners to investigate possible sources.

Allen County’s total shows where cases have been reported; it does not prove that all 276 cases came from one source or represent a confirmed single-source outbreak. State officials say previous U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to some fresh produce, including bagged salad mixes, herbs and other fruits and vegetables, but that history does not identify the source of the current Indiana cases.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. Symptoms can include watery or persistent diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, body aches, headache and fever. People with sudden or ongoing diarrhea should contact a health-care provider about testing and treatment.

Health-care providers may need to specifically request testing for Cyclospora, and diagnosis can sometimes require more than one stool sample. Residents should follow their provider’s guidance rather than trying to diagnose the illness themselves.

What Fort Wayne-area residents should do

Indiana health guidance recommends washing fresh produce under clean running water, washing hands before and after handling fruits and vegetables, and cleaning and sanitizing cutting boards, utensils and food-preparation surfaces. People experiencing diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and speak with a health-care provider about treatment.

Food handlers, health-care workers, daycare or school workers, and children attending daycare or school may need approval from a local health department before returning to work or school after illness. Anyone in those groups who develops diarrhea should stay away from work, daycare or school until cleared by a health-care provider or local health official.

Sources

• Indiana Department of Health cyclosporiasis data and guidance
• Parkview Health precautionary-measures announcement
• 21Alive report on local Cyclospora warning