Paramedic cyclospora outbreak in Michigan has not spread to Canada, PHAC confirms
More than 1,250 cases have been reported in Michigan, but the Public Health Agency of Canada says no outbreaks are being investigated in Canada.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite that has infected more than 1,200 people in Michigan has not spread to Canada based on current information.
Michigan announced an outbreak of cyclospora last week, with more than 170 cases initially reported. That number climbed to 1,251 on Thursday, a surge of nearly 260 cases from a day earlier. Public health officials in Michigan say the source of the outbreak is still unknown and that the number of people getting sick from the parasite is unusual compared to the 50 cases typically reported per year.
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.
Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada, says no cyclospora outbreaks are currently being investigated in Canada. Johnson says 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.
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. Cooking fresh fruits and vegetables imported from countries where cyclospora is found or sticking to fresh produce grown in Canada can help prevent infection.
