The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico, with 67 cases recorded between April and July. The parasite causes explosive diarrhoea, cramping, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite and fever.
Cases and Travel Links
Of the 67 cases, travel information was available for 52, with 48 visiting Mexico. One case travelled to both Mexico and the US, one to the US only, and one to Kenya. This compares with an annual average of 93 cases between 2022 and 2025.
Advice from UKHSA
Dr Philip Veal, consultant in travel health at the UKHSA, said: “We have recently detected a rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico. These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines.” He advised travellers to drink bottled water, eat thoroughly cooked food, and avoid fresh uncooked berries, herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items, even at high-end resorts.
Cyclospora is not found in the UK, but is common in Central and South America, south and south-east Asia, the Middle East and Africa. A major outbreak in the US has spread to 45 states, with over 18,000 possible infections, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Travellers returning with symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea or fatigue should seek medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of their travel history. The UKHSA is working with Abta and Mexican authorities on the investigation.
