The cyclospora parasite causes explosive diarrhoea and contaminated food, particularly herbs, salad and soft fruit, are common sources of infection
There has been a rise in cases in the UK (stock)(Image: boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)
There has been a rise in Brits contracting a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows a “sharp rise” in cyclospora infections among people who’ve travelled to Mexico. Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea.
Contaminated food, specifically herbs, salad and soft fruit, are common sources of outbreaks and infections. Infection is acquired via consumption of contaminated food.
Cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person, UKHSA said. A total of 67 cases have been reported across the UK between April 30 and July 15.
The agency has now advised all travellers to take precautions when going abroad by maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Besides frequent watery diarrhoea, cyclospora also causes abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Infections are usually mild and most people improve within a few days without treatment. However, these can present as more severe or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised and antibiotics may be prescribed.
Data published today shows that, out of the 67 cases reported in travellers returning to the UK, 30 of those were in England, 27 in Scotland and 10 in Wales. The UKHSA says this is a “sharp rise” compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025.
Travel information is available for 52 out of the 67 cases, with 48 of those reported to have travelled to Mexico. One of the 48 also reported travelling to the United States of America.
A further case reported travelling to the USA only and one to Kenya. Those who travelled to Mexico reported staying at a range of hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a variety of food and drink as part of all-inclusive holiday packages.
Further investigations around the cases are ongoing. UKHSA said it anticipates a continued rise in travel-associated cases as an increased number of people travel to Mexico during the summer.
Travel to the USA, where a widespread outbreak has been reported, could also potentially increase the number of cases in the UK.
Dr Philip Veal, consultant in travel health at 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.
“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. We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.
“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.”
UKHSA is liaising with ABTA, the travel association, and Mexican public health authorities to inform investigations into the rise in cases.
