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. 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.