Government issues warning to travellers as cases of 'explosive diarrhoea' parasite surge in holiday hotspot
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recorded a sharp rise in Cyclospora cases among travellers returning from Mexico, urging people to take extra care with food and water hygiene while abroad.
New figures published by UKHSA show 67 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis were reported across England, Scotland and Wales between 30 April and 15 July 2026.
Of these, 30 cases were recorded in England, 27 in Scotland and 10 in Wales. The increase represents a significant spike compared with the annual average of 93 cases recorded across the whole year between 2022 and 2025.
“Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea,” the UKHSA explains.
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“Contaminated food specifically herbs, salad and soft fruit are common sources of outbreaks and infections.
“Infection is acquired via consumption of contaminated food.”
The good news is cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person.
Cyclospora symptoms
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
“While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and most people improve typically in a few days without any treatment, infections can be more serious or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised and antibiotics may be prescribed,” the UKHSA adds.
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.”
When to seek medical advice
Dr Veal urges travellers to ‘seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history’ if any symptoms develop.
The UKHSA expects to see more cases over the summer an increasing number of Brits are visiting Mexico, and warned that infections linked to the United States may also increase following a widespread outbreak there.
The agency is working with ABTA, Mexican public health authorities and travel health experts to investigate the rise and keep travel advice under review.
Difference between stomach bug and cyclosporiasis
Lyndsie Watkins, a physician assistant at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, told CBS New York that a stomach bug usually goes away within 24 to 48 hours.
“So this does come with similar symptoms to other stomach bugs. So you can see profuse watery diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramping, sometimes some nausea and fatigue,” Watkins said.
“But more often than not with other gastroenteritis, it should resolve within a couple of days.
“Cyclosporiasis, unfortunately, can persist longer than that. So especially if you're having symptoms more than seven days, you should absolutely get checked out.”
Anish Vij