What Canadians need to know about the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora

This outbreak has been growing over the past several weeks, with cases starting in May.As of July 14, Michigan health officials reported more than 3 ,300 cases in that state, with 669 infections recorded since Monday alone.Reports up until July 9 indicate 44 people have been hospitalized and no one has died from the infection.Nationally, the CDC says they are aware of 5 ,100 cases that require further analysis.The tiny parasite responsible is invisible to the human eye and commonly found on fresh produce.

Previous outbreaks have been pinned on raspberries and other fruit, lettuce, as well as different herbs, surprisingly.

Part of the challenge is the incubation period can be between 2 and 14 days.

It's a challenge because if you ask people what they ate 7 to 14 days ago, people have a hard time remembering.

If you do get hit, symptoms are unpleasant and can include cramping, fever and abdominal pain.

Usually, it's watery diarrhea.It can come on fairly suddenly and be quite profuse.And that diarrhea can last for weeks sometimes.

Health officials have not been able to identify the origin of the outbreak in the United States.One hypothesis is lettuce or salad greens could be the source.As of Monday, the Public Health Agency of Canada says they are not investigating any cyclospora outbreaks in Canada.Scientists say the risk in Canada remains relatively low.

Typically this is not person to person transmitted.

Cyclospora is unique in that it needs to sit in a field under ideal conditions for about two weeks before it becomes infectious.And Canada isn't hot enough for it to sit in a Canadian field and become infectious.

Catherine Ward, Global News, Toronto.