8 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in Boone County this week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Eight cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Boone County this week, according to a Wednesday press release from the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services.

The release says the PHHS is working with the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services “to determine if this increase in cases is related to the national outbreak. Initial investigations indicate local transmission.”

State health officials said earlier this week that the diarrhea-causing illness – which is contracted by eating contaminated produce or water – reported in Missouri were believed to be connected with travel.

The release from the PHHS says symptoms begin about a week after exposure and can include “frequent diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Less common symptoms include vomiting and a low-grade fever.”

The most cases reported in Boone County in the past five years was 10 in 2023, previous reporting shows.

Earlier this week, PHHS told ABC 17 News there were four cases reported in 2026. Spokesperson Austin Krohn said those cases were travel-related and were not connected to the national outbreak.

Risk of exposure can be reduced by washing produce, even if produce is labeled as pre-wash.

Check back for updates.