The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recorded a sharp increase in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from abroad, with the majority linked to holidays in Mexico. The parasite, which causes explosive diarrhoea, has been identified in 67 cases across England, Wales, and Scotland between 30 April and 15 July 2026.
Case Breakdown and Travel Links
Of the 67 reported cases, 30 were in England, 10 in Wales, and 27 in Scotland. Travel history was available for 52 cases: 48 individuals had visited Mexico, one had travelled to both Mexico and the United States, one had only visited the USA, and one had been to Kenya. The figures represent a notable rise compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded from 2022 to 2025.
Most Mexican cases were linked to stays at various hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, where all-inclusive packages were common. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the source of contamination.
Health Guidance for Travellers
Cyclospora is a parasite typically found in contaminated food, such as fresh herbs, salad, and soft fruit. It does not occur naturally in the UK and cannot spread from person to person. Infection occurs when contaminated food is consumed. Dr Philip Veal, consultant in travel health at UKHSA, said: “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.”
Symptoms and Medical Advice
Symptoms include frequent watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. While most cases are mild and resolve within days without treatment, severe or prolonged illness can occur in immunocompromised individuals. Dr Veal added: “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.”
Ongoing Response
The UKHSA is collaborating with the travel association ABTA and Mexican public health authorities to investigate the rise in cases. The agency expects further infections linked to summer travel to Mexico and the USA, where a widespread outbreak has been reported. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) continues to provide updated advice. For more information, travellers can consult the TravelHealthPro website.
