B.C. seeing rise in infections linked to fresh produce: BCCDC

British Columbia health officials are warning of a rise in cases of gastrointestinal illness linked with fresh produce.

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, there have been 43 cases of Cyclospora reported in the province as of July 31. While most cases of the parasite are often related to produce grown in tropical areas of the world, the agency notes there have been nine cases in people who had not travelled.

The CDC says Cyclospora can cause a slew of digestive symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally fever.

“People who have a weakened immune system and the people who are at the extremes of age are certainly more susceptible. It may make them dehydrated and they may need to be hospitalized for that,” said Dr. Mayank Singal with the BC CDC told CityNews.

As a precaution, the CDC is advising people to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Such vegetables include broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, celery, peas, snap peas, cucumbers, carrots, and green onions. Cherries, raspberries, and blackberries are also possible carriers of the parasite, the agency says, along with fresh basil and cilantro.

The CDC notes that Canada usually experiences an increase in non-travel-related Cyclospora illnesses every spring and summer. However, the agency assures that locally-grown produce is not known to carry the parasite.

If you end up suffering some of the symptoms associated with Cyclospora, the CDC recommends staying hydrated and seeking medical help if the symptoms persist.

With files from Maria Vinca