What Canadians should know about the parasite outbreak in the U.S. causing diarrhea
The United States is currently experiencing a cyclospora outbreak linked to produce that causes diarrhea.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 13, 2026, there have been 1,645 lab-confirmed cases reported by 34 states.
“These people became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick,” stated a CDC outbreak notice on Tuesday.
CDC
There have been 141 hospitalizations and zero deaths.
If you’re worried about the illness spreading up north from our neighbours down south, here’s what you should know.
What is cyclospora?
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Cyclospara is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, which is an illness of the intestines.
In an email to Daily Hive, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spokesperson Mark Johnson said cyclospora is not commonly found on food and is not in drinking water in Canada.
“There is usually an increase in cyclospora infections acquired in Canada linked to consuming fresh fruit and vegetables imported from other countries during the spring and summer,” he explained.
The CDC considers May 1 through Aug. 31 as cyclosporiasis season, as cases typically rise through spring and summer. This year, the agency said multiple states have reported a spike in cases compared to the same period in 2025.
PHAC noted that cyclosporiasis is unlikely to spread between people because the cyclospara parasite can only infect others once it leaves the body through feces.
The parasite spreads when it has been outside of the body for about seven to 15 days.
What is the source of the cyclospora outbreak?
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Although PHAC has suggested that infections are linked to eating fresh produce, the CDC has not confirmed the source of this year’s outbreak.
“Public health officials are interviewing people linked to this outbreak to find out what foods they ate before getting sick. A specific food item has not yet been confirmed as the source,” stated the CDC.
NPR reported that previous outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to fresh produce. McDonald’s removed salads from its menu in 14 states in 2018 after U.S. health officials linked them to dozens of cases of cyclosporiasis. In 2013, lettuce imported from Mexico was suspected of making 400 people ill due to the parasite.
Another previous large outbreak included one in 1997 linked to raspberries from Guatemala that infected over 1,000 people in the U.S. and Canada.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
According to PHAC, the most common symptom is watery diarrhea, but the illness can also include:
- Abdominal bloating and gas
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Mild fever
- Nausea
“It may take seven to 14 days for symptoms to appear after eating or drinking contaminated food or water,” explained Johnson. “If left untreated, symptoms may last for a few days up to a few months. Most people have symptoms for six to seven weeks.”
He added that sometimes symptoms can go away and then return. The illness can be treated with a prescription antibiotic medication, which can improve symptoms within two to three days.
“Young children, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk for a longer or more severe illness,” stated Johnson.
Has it made its way up to Canada?
PHAC told Daily Hive that it is not currently investigating any cyclospora outbreaks in Canada.
Daily Hive also reached out to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for comment and will update the story when they reply.
According to PHAC, Canada has reported an average of 298 cases of cyclosporiasis annually between 2004 and 2023.
What should Canadians do to reduce the risk of infection?
Even though the outbreak hasn’t reached Canada, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
PHAC is advising Canadians to reduce their risk of infection by following safe food handling practices for produce on a daily basis.
This includes cooking produce imported from countries where cyclospora is found and trying to eat fresh produce grown in Canada, especially during the summer months, when an increase in cyclospora infections is linked to eating fresh produce imported from other countries.
If you think you may have cyclosporiasis, PHAC advises you to contact your health-care provider.