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Cases of cyclospora infection in travellers who have recently returned from Mexico is being monitored by Public Health England, in collaboration with Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland.
This is the fourth successive year since 2015 that cases of cyclospora infection have been reported in travellers returning from Mexico.
In 2018, as of 3 August, 57 cases of cyclospora have been reported in England, Scotland and Wales, of which 46 had travelled to Mexico. Where information is known, cases have stayed at several different hotels in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region (mostly on an all-inclusive basis), suggesting the source is again likely to be a foodstuff that has been distributed to hotels throughout the region.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that can infect humans. Infection can cause frequent, watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight. HIV positive individuals and those with other immune deficiencies can be at risk of more severe infection.
All travellers to Mexico are strongly advised to maintain a high standard of food, water and personal hygiene, even if staying in high-end resorts.
An advice sheet for travellers can be accessed via the following link
Infection is transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water, direct person to person spread does not occur. Foods often implicated in outbreaks include soft fruits like raspberries and salad products such as coriander, basil and lettuce.
Key points:
On return from Mexico, if travellers have any symptoms such as those described above they should seek medical attention and inform their GP of their travel history.
