Quebec says there is an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea

This undated photo taken through a microscope provided by the CDC shows Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts found in a fresh stool sample which had been prepared with a formalin solution and stained with safranin. (CDC via AP)

Quebec’s health ministry says there has been an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this year in the province.

The intestinal illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite and can lead to that causes severe, watery diarrhea.

There have been 85 cases reported in 2026, compared to 30 cases in 2025 for the same period, the health ministry told CTV News in an email.

They say that between 2022 and 2025, there was an average of 32 cases yearly.

However, Quebec’s health ministry says no cases appear to be associated with the ongoing outbreak in Michigan.

“As in previous years, the majority of cases in Quebec are believed to be linked to exposure during travel, primarily to Mexico,” the ministry said in an email.

Fewer than five cases have reported a recent trip to the U.S., the ministry says.

“However, the current situation is nowhere near as widespread as the outbreak reported in the state of Michigan in the United States,” the email statement said.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S

The U.S. is currently facing a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Since May, nearly 7,000 people across the U.S. may have been sickened with cyclosporiasis, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Tuesday.

• READ MORE: Some U.S. officials blame this salad green for cyclospora outbreak

Most of the cases observed are from Michigan, where local health officials say suggested lettuce or salad greens could be a potential source.

Canada not impacted, officials say

The Public Health Agency of Canada stated on Tuesday that the outbreak has not spread to Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also said it wouldn’t restrict fresh produce imports from the U.S.

Although the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis is found in wastewater and untreated water worldwide, it is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, according to the federal government.

• READ MORE: Canada is not banning produce imports amid U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, CFIA says

The parasite spreads when people eat food or drink water that contains the Cyclospora parasite.

The federal government says foods imported to Canada that have been linked to the Cyclospora parasite include basil, cilantro, raspberries, blackberries, mesclun lettuce, snow and snap peas, and pre-packaged salad mix.

Quebec advises caution to travellers

For this reason, Quebec’s health ministry is advising travellers to follow standard hygiene precautions regarding water and food consumption during their stay.

The illness can cause profuse watery diarrhea and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and fatigue.

Quebec’s health ministry says a mild fever may also occur, but complications are rare, and half of those who become infected will recover without treatment.

According to the federal government, cyclosporiasis is unlikely to spread directly from person to person because the parasite only becomes infectious after it is passed through feces.

Once outside the body, it can take seven to 15 days for the parasite to become infectious.

“Since cyclosporiasis is a notifiable disease, the situation in Quebec is monitored continuously by the MSSS, which also tracks trends observed in other jurisdictions, particularly in the United States,” the health ministry told CTV News.