Diarrhea-causing parasite infecting more than 1,200 in Michigan has not spread to Canada: PHAC

Hota said part of the challenge of investigating the source of a cyclospora outbreak is symptoms can take a couple weeks to appear, and by then, people often don’t remember what they ate.

WHAT IS CYCLOSPORA?

Cyclospora most commonly causes watery diarrhea for six to seven weeks, in addition to bloating and gas, nausea, tiredness, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss and a mild fever.

The disease is not spread from person-to-person because the organism needs time outside of the body to change in form after it is released in feces.

The parasite can then contaminate food when the feces of an infected person gets into the water supply used for crops or in food processing or packaging.

Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada, said Thursday that no cyclospora outbreaks are currently being investigated in Canada.

Johnson said cyclospora is not in the country’s drinking water.

It is also not commonly found on food in Canada, but it can be imported from other countries, such as Peru, Cuba, India, Nepal, Mexico, Guatemala, Southeast Asia and the Dominican Republic.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

There is usually an increase of cases in summer and spring when fresh fruit and vegetables are imported into Canada. Foods that have been linked to the parasite include basil, cilantro, raspberries, blackberries, mesclun lettuce, snow and snap peas, and pre-packaged salad mix.

Always wash fruits and vegetables, Hota says, especially pre-packaged salads where the produce has been sitting for a long time.

However, she added that washing doesn’t 100 per cent prevent food contamination because it’s always possible to miss a spot.

Another option is sticking to fresh produce grown in Canada, where water and sewage treatment mitigates agricultural contamination, Hota said.

“Look at where your food is coming from and consider that carefully. If you’re able to buy locally, that’s another assurance that you can have safer food,” she said.

The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is diagnosed with a stool sample and treated with a prescription medication. Symptoms usually improve within two to three days after starting the medication, but it can take several weeks for intestinal problems to disappear.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2026.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Diarrhea-causing parasite infecting more than 1,200 in Michigan has not spread to Canada: PHAC

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