Quebec already has 250% more cases of cyclosporiasis than last year, the same intestinal parasite that is rampant in the United States and causes diarrhea within weeks.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) counted 140 cases of cyclosporiasis in the province as of July 21. This is 250% more than on the same date last year, when there were 40 cases.
Cyclospora is a notifiable disease and must be monitored by the MSSS. Quebec averages just 30 cases per year.
“If there were no cases in Quebec associated with the current outbreak in the United States (…), the majority of cases would be due to exposure occurring during travel abroad, mainly to Mexico,” replies Marie-Pierre Blier via email.
“Each year in Quebec there is a seasonal increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, usually from the beginning of May to the end of August. In countries where this parasite is common, an increase in cases is recorded during the same period due to the rainy season,” she continues.
Cyclosporiasis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora. It is found in fruits and vegetables. The disease primarily causes watery, profuse diarrhea that can last several weeks.
Fighting
An unprecedented outbreak of cyclosporiasis is currently shaking our southern neighbors.
Thousands of Americans have contracted the disease, mostly in Michigan, and many have required hospitalization.
A public health investigation found that prepackaged packages of lettuce from Taylor’s farm were being sent to the fast food chain Taco Bell.
This week, lettuce bags were recalled in 27 states. The lettuce contaminated with cyclospora may also have come from Mexico, authorities said.
Not in Canada
McGill University professor and Canada Research Chair in Agricultural Microbiology Jennifer Ronholm does not believe Quebec received bags of contaminated lettuce.
According to her, cases would have already multiplied if goods were imported here. “It’s crazy in the United States right now,” she describes.
Jennifer Ronholm is a Canadian research director in agricultural microbiology and a professor at McGill University.
PHOTO FROM MCGILL.CA
She adds that the best way to protect yourself from the parasite is to buy fruits and vegetables locally, as even in the summer it is too cold for them. Cyclospora in Canada.
The parasite lays eggs once it enters the digestive system. These eggs then end up in food when they come into contact with wastewater from infected people. It then takes 7 to 14 days of heat above 22°C for the parasite to become active.
According to M.to me Rönholm, global warming and more frequent flooding, which also lead to sewer backups, may contribute to more frequent outbreaks of cyclosporiasis.
What is cyclosporiasis?
- An intestinal disease caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
- Mainly manifested by profuse liquid diarrhea.
- It is spread through food and water contaminated with feces from infected people. Especially fruits, vegetables or greens.
- This may last from several days to several weeks, and symptoms may be intermittent. Half of patients recover without treatment.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed before consumption, but this does not guarantee the destruction of the parasite. Only cooking or freezing reduces the risk of infection.
Source: Santé Quebec.
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