Cyclospora: What travellers need to know after surge in cases for visitors to Mexico

Tourists visiting Mexico have been urged to follow food and water hygiene advice following a surge in illness caused by cyclospora.

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that 67 cases have been reported in returning travellers to the UK between 30 April and 15 July 2026.

Of these cases, 48 infected travellers had visited Mexico, staying at various hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancun regions as part of all-inclusive holiday packages.

An initial detection of the cyclospora parasite was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico following outbreaks which began in late June, linked to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Here’s everything holidaymakers need to know to stay safe from cyclospora while travelling.

Read more: Explosive diarrhoea infection spreads to UK as officials issue holiday warning

What is cyclospora and how is it spread?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea. The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with infected human poo, said the UKHSA.

It is most commonly associated with fresh produce, particularly soft or unpeeled fruit, salad leaves and herbs such as coriander or basil.

What is Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico?

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Mexico.

The FCDO warned: “There have been reported cases of Cyclospora, a food and water bug, affecting travellers returning from Mexico.”

Where is cyclospora most common?

The parasite is most commonly found in parts of Central and South America, south and southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Cases in the recent outbreak have been closely linked to UK travellers returning from Mexico.

What are the symptoms?

Unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms can last for weeks after a case of cyclospora.

Symptoms including watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, bloating, wind, nausea, fever, tiredness, muscle aches and loss of appetite typically appear a week after eating or drinking something contaminated.

A cyclospora diagnosis can be confirmed through a stool sample test, with antibiotics prescribed in severe cases.

How can travellers protect themselves against cyclospora?

The UKHSA has advised travellers to be conscious of food and water hygiene while travelling this summer.

Precautions include washing hands regularly with soap and clean water, drinking only bottled or boiled water in areas where tap water isn't safe, avoiding ice in drinks and avoiding fresh produce that may not have been washed in safe water.

What is expert advice?

According to Dr Richard Dawood, a travel medical specialist at Fleet Street Clinic, which tests for cyclospora, the number of confirmed cases “always underestimates the true scale of an outbreak like this”.

Dr Dawood said that the true number is “probably much bigger” although cyclospora is one of the less frequent causes of diarrhoea.

He advised: “I would strongly recommend that anyone going to Mexico should be familiar with preventive measures, in terms of choosing thoroughly cooked food.

“Salads are very difficult to make safe if they are contaminated, so I would really advise people to stick to things that they have actually watched being cooked or that are freshly cooked and served hot.”

Packing symptomatic treatment such as rehydration tablets can also be helpful while travelling.

“If you don't, you risk losing several days of your trip languishing close to the toilets in your hotel room,” said Dr Dawood.

Read more: Symptoms to know as explosive diarrhoea infections spread across UK