UK health authorities have warned travellers to Mexico after a rise in cyclospora infections linked to hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancun. Between April and July, 67 cases were reported in people returning to the UK, most of whom had visited Mexico. Officials advise strict food and water hygiene—drink bottled water, eat cooked food and avoid uncooked berries, herbs, unpeeled fruit and salads. Seek medical attention and mention your travel history if you develop persistent diarrhoea or related symptoms after returning.
Cyclospora Alert For UK Travellers To Mexico — 67 Returnees Reported; Avoid Uncooked Fruit And Salad
Unlike viruses, cyclospora does not pass from person to person, but through eating or drinking something that has been contaminated - Melanie Moser/CDC
British holidaymakers heading to Mexico have been urged to take extra precautions after UK health authorities reported a rise in cyclospora infections linked to stays at hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancun.
Outbreak Details
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 67 cases of cyclospora were identified in people returning to the UK between April and July. Travel details were available for 52 of those cases: 48 had visited Mexico, one had also travelled to the US and another had also travelled to Kenya. The agency is working with ABTA and Mexican public health authorities as it investigates.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhoea. Unlike many viral stomach bugs, cyclospora is spread through ingesting contaminated food or drink rather than directly between people. (Image credit: Melanie Moser/CDC)
Common Sources
Outbreaks are frequently linked to contaminated fresh produce, including salads, soft fruit (such as berries), herbs and unpeeled fruit. Contamination can occur before food reaches restaurants or hotels, so even high-end resorts are not immune.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and sometimes fever. Most infections are mild and clear up within a few days, but some can be prolonged or severe and require antibiotic treatment.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health, UKHSA: "We have detected a recent rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico. Travellers can reduce risk by following good food and water hygiene measures — drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food, and avoid fresh uncooked berries, herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items."
Advice For Travellers
- Drink bottled or safely treated water; avoid ice made from local tap water.
- Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
- Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, fresh berries and uncooked herbs.
- Maintain hand hygiene and ask about food sourcing when dining out.
If you develop persistent watery diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms after travel, seek medical attention and tell your clinician about your recent travel history. The TravelHealthPro website and NHS guidance offer further travel-health advice.
Context
Separately, US health authorities report a large cyclospora outbreak affecting dozens of states; the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 18,000 people may have been infected, with Michigan among the hardest hit.
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