More than 1,200 people in Michigan have been infected with cyclospora, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea, but Canadian health officials say the outbreak has not spread across the border.
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Thursday that no related cases have been detected in Canada.
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Michigan health authorities reported the outbreak last week with over 170 infections.
By Thursday, the count surged to 1,251 cases, an increase of nearly 260 from the previous day.
The source of the outbreak remains unidentified.
Officials noted that the number of cases is highly unusual compared to the typical 50 cases reported annually in the state.
Cyclospora often causes watery diarrhea lasting six to seven weeks, along with bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, stomach cramps, appetite loss, weight reduction, and mild fever.
Infection occurs when feces from an infected person contaminates water used for crops or food processing.
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Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada, said no cyclospora outbreaks are currently under investigation in Canada.
He added that the parasite is absent from Canada's drinking water and rarely found on domestic food, though it can enter through imports from countries such as Peru, Cuba, India, Nepal, Mexico, Guatemala, Southeast Asia, and the Dominican Republic.
Spikes typically occur in spring and summer when fresh produce is imported.
Linked items include basil, cilantro, raspberries, blackberries, mesclun lettuce, snow peas, snap peas, and pre-packaged salad mixes.
To prevent infection, health officials recommend cooking imported fresh produce or choosing locally grown items.
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Cyclospora is diagnosed through stool samples and treated with prescription medication, which usually alleviates symptoms within two to three days, though intestinal issues may persist for weeks.
