Health officials in the United Kingdom have reported a significant increase in UK cyclospora infections, with most cases linked to travellers returning from Mexico. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging holidaymakers to take extra precautions when eating and drinking abroad as summer travel continues.
UKHSA Confirms Increase in Cases
According to the UKHSA, 67 cyclospora infections were recorded across England, Wales, and Scotland between 30 April and 15 July. By comparison, the annual average between 2022 and 2025 was 93 cases, indicating a notable rise over a much shorter period.
Travel information was available for 52 of the confirmed cases. Of those, 48 people had recently visited Mexico, while one traveller visited both Mexico and the United States. Another case involved travel only to the United States, and one traveller had recently returned from Kenya.
Cases Linked to Popular Mexican Resorts
Health investigators found that many infected travellers stayed at hotels across Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with several guests consuming meals and drinks through all-inclusive holiday packages.
Although officials have not identified a single source, contaminated food is believed to be the primary cause of infection.
US Also Investigating Large Outbreak
Meanwhile, the UK increase comes as the United States investigates a much larger cyclospora outbreak.
American health authorities have linked thousands of infections to produce imported from central Mexico. Reports indicate that Michigan alone has recorded more than 10,000 infections, prompting ongoing investigations into the food supply chain.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness after consuming contaminated food or water.
Unlike some stomach infections, cyclospora does not spread directly from person to person. Instead, infections usually occur through contaminated fresh produce such as:
- Fresh herbs
- Salad vegetables
- Soft fruits
- Unpeeled fruit
- Contaminated drinking water
Symptoms usually appear several days after exposure and may include:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Mild fever
Health Officials Issue Travel Advice
As international travel continues during the summer holiday season, UKHSA expects additional travel-related infections.
Therefore, travellers visiting Mexico or other affected destinations are encouraged to follow strict food and water hygiene practices.
Officials recommend:
- Drinking bottled or treated water
- Eating thoroughly cooked meals
- Avoiding raw herbs and leafy salads
- Washing or peeling fruit before eating
- Avoiding uncooked berries when possible
The recent rise in UK cyclospora infections highlights the importance of food safety while travelling abroad. Although most people recover fully with appropriate treatment, early diagnosis and good hygiene practices remain essential.
Overall, health authorities continue monitoring the situation closely and advise anyone experiencing persistent stomach illness after returning from Mexico to seek medical advice promptly.
