Canadian health authorities have issued a warning to the general public on Monday after more than 80 people, mostly from Ontario, were infected with Cyclospora, an intestinal parasite. It is suspected that the parasite came from imported farm produce and may not be removed completely with simple washing.

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Between May until July, at least 83 people are suspected of having become infected with the Cyclospora parasite.

So far, there have been no fatalities, but at least two of the infected have been admitted to the hospital for medical treatment. A majority of the cases have been reported in Ontario, but there are a few cases in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.

Canadian health officials say they have no idea where the parasites came from. The Cyclospora parasite is known to exist in mostly fresh farm produce that are not native to Canada such as cilantro, peas, basil or lettuce, and many more.

People infected with the Cyclospora parasite usually suffer from food poisoning. They can transmit the disease to other people through food or water contaminated with their fecal matter. Cyclospora is usually found in countries with warm or very hot climate. Canadians infected by the parasite are mostly people who have traveled abroad or who have eaten infected farm produce imported from overseas.

Cyclospora is not known as a fatal disease. While many people infected have reported considerable stomach pains, a number of those infected have not. The symptoms of this infection includes appetite and weight loss, frequent release of gas, law energy level, and diarrhea.

Depending on one's health, the sickness can be over in less than a week or a few weeks. If the infected has a low immune system, the disease may cause more serious health problems

Symptoms usually begin to show within a week after one has ingested the infected food.

Those infected with Cyclospora are usually given antibiotics to combat the parasite and will also need to take plenty of water to counter the dehydrating effect of diarrhea.

People who suspect that they are infected should consult a medical doctor immediately.

Health experts have their doubts if extensive washing of the contaminated farm produce can totally remove the parasite, although it could lessen the chances of being infected considerably.

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