Tropical parasite found in Quebec's far north

A potentially fatal illness that swept through 10 communitiesinNunavikbetween 2013 and2014 has been linked to a parasite normally found in tropical climates.

• Researchers to study stomach flu parasite in Nunavut youth
• Cryptosporidium prompts closure of Prince Albert pool

Researchers with theMcGillUniversity Health Centre (MUHC) confirmed the presence ofCryptosporidium, anintestinal parasite more often transmitted through domestic farm animals and recreational waterways.

The discovery ofCryptosporidiumin such a northern climate shocked the scientists, who published their findings recentlyin the journalPLoS: Neglected Tropical Diseases.

They are unsure, though, if thisrepresents a first-time event or if previous transmissions had simply gone undetected.

"We know what we found, and we know that it is unexpected," CdricYansouni, associate director of the J.D.MacLeanCentre for Tropical Diseases at theMUHC, told CBC'sAs It Happens.

"But we don't know whether it's new or not."

What thisoutbreak really brings into focus is many of the obstacles that are faced in northern communities.- CdricYansouni, microbiologist

Cryptosporidiumis transmitted by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or by coming into contact with infected people. It causesCryptosporidiosis, an illness that usually manifests itself as several weeks of watery diarhhea.

Most people don't require treatment forCryptosporidiosis, saidYansouni, it simply runs its course. But it can be fatal among young children or to anyone with a weak immune system.

Challenges of the North

The strain detected inNunavikwas likelyintroduced by an individual infected elsewhere. But scientistsbelieve that poor living conditions such as overcrowding contributed to its spread.

"What thisoutbreak really brings into focus is many of the obstacles that are faced in northern communities," said Yansouni.

The outbreak likely went undetected for several months because of a lack of diagnostic facilities inNunavik, he added.

"Issues like overcrowding and rapid diagnosis closer to the patient are key challenges that so far are incompletely met."

TheShoal Lake 40 First Nation, along thethe Ontario-Manitoba border, has been under a boil-water advisory since Cryptosporidiumwas detected in the water in 1997.