Cyclospora infections linked to Mexico are rising in the UK, prompting health officials to urge travellers to follow strict food and water safety precautions.
LONDON: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a health alert after reporting a sharp rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico, urging holidaymakers to take extra precautions with food and drinking water while abroad.
According to the UKHSA, 67 confirmed Cyclospora cases were recorded across England, Wales, and Scotland between April 30 and July 15, 2026. The figure represents a significant increase compared with the annual average of 93 cases reported during the four-year period from 2022 to 2025.
Health officials said travel information was available for 52 of the 67 cases, with 48 patients having recently visited Mexico.
Among the remaining cases, one traveller had visited both Mexico and the United States, one had travelled only to the United States, while another had recently returned from Kenya.
Outbreak Linked to Popular Mexican Tourist Destinations
The agency said many infected travellers had stayed at hotels in the popular tourist destinations of Riviera Maya and Cancún, where they consumed food and beverages as part of all-inclusive holiday packages.
Officials noted that the parasite is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water and does not spread from person to person.
US Outbreak Raises Additional Concerns
The increase in UK cases comes as the United States is also experiencing a major Cyclospora outbreak.
Health authorities in the US are investigating fresh produce imported from central Mexico as a possible source of the infections. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Michigan, where more than 10,000 cases have been reported during the current investigation.
Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection
According to health experts, people infected with the Cyclospora parasite may experience:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Mild fever
The parasite is often associated with contaminated fresh herbs, leafy salads, berries, and other soft fruits.
Health Advice for Travellers
The UK Health Security Agency warned that additional travel-related infections are likely as more British tourists visit Mexico during the busy summer holiday season. Officials also cautioned that cases linked to travel to the United States could increase.
To reduce the risk of infection, travellers are advised to:
- Drink sealed bottled water.
- Eat thoroughly cooked food.
- Avoid uncooked berries, fresh herbs, salads, and unpeeled fruits.
- Practice good hand hygiene before eating.
Health experts recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms of severe or prolonged diarrhoea develop after returning from overseas travel.
