U.K. health officials report 67 cyclosporiasis cases between April 30 and July 15, with 48 of 51 patients with travel history having visited Mexico—many stayed in Cancún and Riviera Maya resorts. In the U.S., a multistate outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico has surpassed 18,000 reported cases nationwide and prompted a voluntary recall. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint contamination sources; experts say increased testing may be identifying more cases. Authorities advise following CDC/FDA updates and avoiding recalled products.
Sharp Rise in Cyclosporiasis Among UK Travelers Linked to Mexico; US Outbreak Tied to Lettuce
CDC - PHOTO: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
U.K. health officials report a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis cases among travellers returning from Mexico, while a large multistate outbreak in the United States has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
UK Cases and Travel Links
Between April 30 and July 15, UKHSA recorded 67 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in England, Wales and Scotland. Travel history is available for 51 of those patients; 48 reported trips to Mexico, with many staying at hotels and resorts in the Cancún and Riviera Maya regions and dining as part of all‑inclusive packages. Investigations by the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are ongoing.
US Outbreak and Food Trace
In the United States, public health agencies report a widespread outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants. The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and originated in central Mexico; Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall for all affected iceberg lettuce.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 18,000 cases have been reported across 45 states. The CDC lists at least 6,707 laboratory‑confirmed cases, including 423 hospitalisations, and is tracking roughly 11,500 additional suspected cases that require confirmation or further investigation. Michigan officials reported two deaths associated with the outbreak; health authorities note that deaths from cyclosporiasis are rare.
Expert Perspective
"It highlights a likely source at a country level, but we still don't fully appreciate where the contaminations have occurred: farms, water, processing or distribution," said John Brownstein, epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital. "We still don't even know if it's one or several farms that are sharing a common source. There's been real challenges identifying specific products [and] environmental samples as positive."
Testing, Surveillance and Ongoing Investigation
Officials caution that increased awareness can drive more testing and case identification. Health experts say heightened surveillance likely contributes to the detection of additional cases, but it does not eliminate the reality of an ongoing outbreak.
Practical Advice
- Do not panic: There is no need to avoid all leafy greens, but follow public health guidance.
- Avoid recalled products: Check CDC and FDA updates and do not consume any lettuce products subject to the Taylor Farms recall.
- Travelers with symptoms: Anyone returning from Mexico with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical care and mention recent travel so clinicians can test for Cyclospora.
Authorities in the U.K. and U.S. continue tracing supply chains and environmental sources to determine where contamination occurred. Further lab and epidemiological work is underway to identify specific contamination points and to guide control measures.
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