Intestinal parasite infections rising in Quebec as camping season peaks
Hand washing and proper food prep are essential to avoid serious diarrhea; no cases yet in Canada from Michigan outbreak.
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Quebec is experiencing a seasonal rise in intestinal parasite infections that cause serious diarrhea, driven by camping, barbecue season, and contaminated imported produce. Dr. Mitch Shulman, an emergency medicine physician, cautioned that the increase is typical this time of year but preventable through careful food handling and hygiene.
The risk factors include unsafe water sources at campsites, improper food preparation during outdoor cooking, and produce imported from other countries where contamination is occurring. In the United States, Michigan is currently battling a large outbreak of an intestinal bug linked to lettuce, though Canadian health authorities have not yet identified any cases.
To protect against infection, Shulman emphasized strict hand washing—before eating, after preparing raw food, and after using the bathroom. Raw and cooked foods must be kept completely separate, and utensils used for raw items must not touch cooked food. For produce, rinsing grapes and blueberries in water for about a minute is sufficient; berries with pits or crevices like raspberries should be soaked in a one-part vinegar to three-part water solution for a minute and then rinsed. This approach also extends the produce's shelf life.
"The most important message though is hand washing," Shulman said, adding that soap and water are adequate for cleaning surfaces and utensils.
The facts
What are the main risk factors for intestinal parasite infections in Quebec right now?
Unsafe water sources at campsites, improper food preparation during outdoor cooking, and contaminated produce imported from other countries are driving the seasonal rise in infections in Quebec.
How should you wash different types of produce to prevent infection?
Rinse grapes and blueberries under water for about one minute. Soak berries with pits or crevices like raspberries in a one-part vinegar to three-part water solution for one minute, then rinse them.
What key hygiene steps does Dr. Shulman recommend?
Wash hands before eating, after preparing raw food, and after using the bathroom. Keep raw and cooked foods completely separate, and never let utensils used for raw items touch cooked food. Use soap and water to clean surfaces and utensils.
