The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising all travellers to take precautions this summer after detecting an increase in cyclospora infections among people returning to the UK. Between April and July this year, 67 cases were reported from people returning to England, Wales and Scotland, 52 of whom had travelled to Mexico.
Typically, the UK records around 93 cases a year, and the health authority expects the number to keep rising as summer holiday travel continues.
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite not usually found in the UK but can be picked up in other parts of the world. It causes cyclosporiasis, which usually gets better on its own within a few days or weeks.
Symptoms to look out for
Symptoms can differ between people, but the most distinctive sign is "explosive diarrhoea". Most symptoms usually begin around a week after getting infected, according to the NHS.
Other common symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Treatment and who is at risk
Cyclospora usually gets better without treatment, but staying hydrated is important as the symptoms cause the body to lose fluids rapidly.
People with a weakened immune system may face more severe symptoms or a longer period of infection. If the infection is severe or persistent, antibiotics may be given.
How cyclospora spreads and how to avoid it
Cyclospora is not found in the UK. The parasite is more commonly picked up in Central and South America, south and southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is usually passed through contaminated water or food that has not been cooked or cleaned properly, and it does not spread from person to person.
The NHS warns people not to eat fruits, salads or raw vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water, and to avoid putting ice in drinks or drinking tap water, even when cleaning teeth.
UKHSA is urging all travellers to practise good food and water hygiene while abroad to reduce the risk of contracting the parasite. However, the health authority expects the number of cases to continue rising as people head off on summer holidays.
US outbreak linked to lettuce
The United States is also currently seeing a widespread outbreak of cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce. The affected lettuce, sourced from Mexico, has since been recalled.
