British tourists have been warned of a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 67 cases since April, many linked to travel to Mexico.
Cases and affected areas
In the last four months, 30 cases were reported in England, 27 in Scotland and 10 in Wales. Travel information is known for 52 cases, of which 48 had travelled to Mexico. Many stayed in the Riviera Maya beach resort area or north in coastal Cancún.
The UKHSA said those affected stayed in a range of different hotels and consumed a variety of food and drink within their resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package. The agency is working with Mexican public health authorities on the investigation.
Parasite and transmission
Cyclospora cayetanesis infects the small intestine and causes cyclosporiasis. It can contaminate food like salads, herbs and soft fruits. The parasite is not typically spread directly from person to person and does not naturally occur in the UK.
The outbreak has also swept through the United States, infecting more than 18,000 people across 45 states, though no deaths have been reported. Due to the difficulty of tracing the parasite, the origin remains largely a mystery.
Symptoms and advice
Symptoms include frequent watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. While usually mild and resolving in a few days without treatment, infections can be more serious in immunocompromised people, who may require antibiotics.
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA, said: “Travellers to Mexico and other areas where the infection is more common can reduce their risk by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts.”
He added: “We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.”
Dr Veal urged anyone developing symptoms after travel to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare professional of their travel history.
