British tourists planning trips to Mexico have been advised to exercise caution following an increase in cases of cyclospora infection, a parasitic illness that causes severe diarrhoea and gastrointestinal symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a notable rise in infections linked to stays at hotels in popular tourist areas such as the Riviera Maya and Cancun.
Between April and July, 67 confirmed cases of cyclospora were identified among travelers returning to the UK, a significant portion of which involved visits to Mexico. Travel details were available for 52 of these cases, with 48 having recently visited Mexico, one traveling to both Mexico and the United States, another visiting only the US, and one individual having traveled to Kenya. This figure compares with an annual average of 93 cases recorded during the 2022 to 2025 period.
Cyclospora is primarily contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce like salads, soft fruit, and herbs. The parasite targets the intestines and can provoke symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. While many infections resolve on their own within a few days, some cases may become severe or prolonged, requiring antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Philip Veal, a consultant in travel health at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of adhering to food and water hygiene measures to reduce infection risk. He recommended that travelers to Mexico avoid consuming uncooked berries, herbs, unpeeled fruit, and salads, and opt instead for bottled water and thoroughly cooked meals, regardless of the accommodation standard.
Cyclospora is not known to be endemic in the UK but is common in regions including Central and South America, parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. A concurrent widespread outbreak in the United States has affected 45 states, with over 18,000 potential cases reported, particularly impacting Michigan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The UKHSA is currently coordinating with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and Mexican health authorities as it continues to monitor and investigate the situation. Travelers who develop symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating, fatigue, or flu-like features after returning from affected areas are urged to seek prompt medical evaluation and inform healthcare providers of their recent travel.
Additional guidance for travelers can be found on the TravelHealthPro website, which offers advice on preventive measures and symptom recognition to help mitigate the risk of infection while abroad.