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UK Reports Sharp Rise in Cyclospora Infections Linked to Mexico Travel: What Foods Must Travelers Avoid?

Amid as many as 45 states in the US battling Cyclospora parasite infections, the UK has now reported a sharp rise in watery diarrhea-causing infections among travelers returning from Mexico.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) clarified that cyclospora, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, does not naturally occur in the UK and cannot spread from person to person.

The agency has advised travelers to take precautions while abroad, including maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.

According to the latest data, 67 cases were reported between April 30 and July 15, among returning travelers in 

<ul><li>England (30), </li><li>Scotland (27), </li><li>Wales (10). </li></ul>This marks a notable increase compared with the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025, the UKHSA said.

The agency noted that travel information was available for 52 of the 67 cases. Of these, 48 people had traveled to Mexico, with one also reporting travel to the US. One case involved travel only to the US, while another had traveled to Kenya.

Among those who visited Mexico, cases reported staying at various hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a range of foods and drinks as part of all-inclusive holiday packages. Investigations into the source of the infections are ongoing, the UKHSA said.

"We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travelers returning from Mexico. These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines," said Dr. Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA.

"If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history," he added.

<h2>Cyclospora Outbreak In US: The Mexico Connection</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/michigan-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-nears-10000-cases-is-your-lettuce-safe-article-155207321" data-type="tilCustomLink">Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Nears 10,000 Cases: Is Your Lettuce Safe?</a>

The US is experiencing its largest Cyclospora outbreak, with infections reported across 45 states. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms in central Mexico, prompting the company to initiate a recall on July 17.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly update on July 28, there have been 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of the illness, recorded in 45 states, since May 1. In addition, more than 11,500 additional cases, primarily in Michigan and Ohio, have not yet been confirmed by laboratories, the CDC said.

There have been 423 hospitalizations and no deaths, per the agency.

Dr. Philip Veal advised travelers to Mexico to avoid foods that may be contaminated with Cyclospora, particularly:

<ul><li>Fresh, uncooked berries</li><li>Fresh herbs</li><li>Unpeeled fruits</li><li>Raw salad items</li><li>Ice in drinks</li><li>Smoothies and juices that may contain raw fruits or vegetables</li></ul>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/uk-france-brace-for-another-heatwave-how-hot-weather-can-affect-medicines-article-155193803" data-type="tilCustomLink">UK, France Brace for Another Heatwave: How Hot Weather Can Affect Medicines</a>

Further, to reduce the risk of infection, the UKHSA also recommended:

<ul><li>Washing hands regularly with soap and clean water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only when handwashing facilities are unavailable.</li><li>Drinking bottled or boiled water where tap water is unsafe, including for brushing teeth.</li><li>Choosing fruit that can be peeled, such as bananas and oranges.</li><li>Opting for pasteurized dairy products.</li><li>Eating freshly cooked food served hot.</li><li>Following good food and water hygiene practices, even when staying at high-end all-inclusive resorts. </li></ul>

Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the stomach and intestines and is typically acquired by consuming contaminated food or water.

<ul><li>Frequent watery diarrhoea</li><li>Abdominal cramps</li><li>Bloating</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Excessive gas (flatulence)</li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Weight loss</li></ul>

Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days without treatment. However, the illness can be more severe or prolonged in people with weakened immune systems, who may require antibiotic treatment.

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Amid as many as 45 states in the US battling Cyclospora parasite infections, the UK has now reported a sharp rise in watery diarrhea-causing infections among travelers returning from Mexico.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) clarified that cyclospora, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, does not naturally occur in the UK and cannot spread from person to person.The agency has advised travelers to take precautions while abroad, including maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.According to the latest data, 67 cases were reported between April 30 and July 15, among returning travelers in England (30), Scotland (27), Wales (10). This marks a notable increase compared with the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025, the UKHSA said.The agency noted that travel information was available for 52 of the 67 cases. Of these, 48 people had traveled to Mexico, with one also reporting travel to the US. One case involved travel only to the US, while another had traveled to Kenya.Among those who visited Mexico, cases reported staying at various hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a range of foods and drinks as part of all-inclusive holiday packages. Investigations into the source of the infections are ongoing, the UKHSA said."We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travelers returning from Mexico. These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines," said Dr. Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA."If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history," he added.Cyclospora Outbreak In US: The Mexico ConnectionAlso read: Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Nears 10,000 Cases: Is Your Lettuce Safe?The US is experiencing its largest Cyclospora outbreak, with infections reported across 45 states. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms in central Mexico, prompting the company to initiate a recall on July 17.As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly update on July 28, there have been 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of the illness, recorded in 45 states, since May 1. In addition, more than 11,500 additional cases, primarily in Michigan and Ohio, have not yet been confirmed by laboratories, the CDC said.There have been 423 hospitalizations and no deaths, per the agency.Foods Travelers Should AvoidDr. Philip Veal advised travelers to Mexico to avoid foods that may be contaminated with Cyclospora, particularly:Fresh, uncooked berriesFresh herbsUnpeeled fruitsRaw salad itemsIce in drinksSmoothies and juices that may contain raw fruits or vegetablesRead More: UK, France Brace for Another Heatwave: How Hot Weather Can Affect MedicinesFurther, to reduce the risk of infection, the UKHSA also recommended:Washing hands regularly with soap and clean water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only when handwashing facilities are unavailable.Drinking bottled or boiled water where tap water is unsafe, including for brushing teeth.Choosing fruit that can be peeled, such as bananas and oranges.Opting for pasteurized dairy products.Eating freshly cooked food served hot.Following good food and water hygiene practices, even when staying at high-end all-inclusive resorts.  What Is Cyclospora?Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the stomach and intestines and is typically acquired by consuming contaminated food or water.Symptoms include:Frequent watery diarrhoeaAbdominal crampsBloatingNauseaExcessive gas (flatulence)Low-grade feverLoss of appetiteWeight lossMost cases are mild and resolve within a few days without treatment. However, the illness can be more severe or prolonged in people with weakened immune systems, who may require antibiotic treatment.

uk reports sharp rise in cyclospora infections linked to mexico travel: what foods must travelers avoid?

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