Quebec reports record rise in intestinal parasite cases
Posted August 5, 2026 11:33 am.
Quebec has recorded an unprecedented rise in cases of cyclosporiasis this summer, with 223 infections reported as of Aug. 1, more than triple the average seen over the previous four years.
The intestinal illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, typically causes severe watery diarrhea that can last for several weeks. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), 223 cases have been reported so far in 2026, compared with 79 during the same period last year. The average annual total between 2022 and 2025 was 70 cases.
Health officials said the majority of Quebec cases continue to be linked to travel, particularly to Mexico, and are not believed to be connected to the large U.S. outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce.
“Currently, according to the information we have, no Quebec cases seem to be associated with the ongoing outbreak associated with lettuce in several U.S. states, including Michigan,” the ministry said in a statement.
The MSSS said it is continuing to investigate cases acquired in Quebec to determine whether imported fresh produce may be a common source. Fewer than five people have been hospitalized, no patients have required intensive care, and no deaths have been reported in the province.
Health officials are advising people to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, use safe drinking water and take extra precautions when travelling to tropical or subtropical regions, where the parasite is more common.
