Between 30 April and 15 July 2026, 67 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in the UK (30 in England, 27 in Scotland and 10 in Wales). Age was known for all cases and sex for 59 (88%) cases. The median age of cases is 46, and 66% of cases with information available on sex are female. Of the 52 cases with travel information available, 48 reported travel to Mexico, with 1 reporting both travel to Mexico and the USA. One case reported travel to the USA and 1 to Kenya. Detailed travel information is available for 28 cases who travelled to Mexico, with cases primarily reporting travel to the Riviera Maya region and several reporting travel to Cancún. Cases reported staying in a range of different hotels and consuming a variety of different food and drink within their resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package. Data collection is ongoing.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland and Public Health Wales have all identified an increase of infections caused by Cyclospora species in travellers returning from Mexico.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that does not naturally occur in the UK and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in those who become infected. Cyclospora infection is transmitted through consumption of food or drink that is contaminated with infected human faeces. Therefore, travellers are advised to maintain good food and water hygiene at all times, even if staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts. If possible, travellers should choose freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot. Certain foods should be avoided such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.
Infection can cause frequent, watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight. While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and self-limiting for most people, infections can be more serious or prolonged in immunocompromised individuals. Infection is diagnosed by testing stool samples. Although most cases resolve on their own, antibiotics can be given to treat severe or prolonged infections.
UKHSA is liaising with ABTA and Mexican public health authorities to inform investigations of these clusters. UKHSA continues to work with the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) to ensure appropriate advice is in place for UK travellers. More advice is available on NaTHNaC’s TravelHealthPro website, including specific information on cyclospora and summer travel.
Credit;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-20-2026/hpr-volume-20-issue-7-news-30-july-2026