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

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 parasite can 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, 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, PHAC says.

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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