Cyclospora Infections Surge in UK, Linked to Mexico Travel
UK Health Security Agency reports 67 cases, primarily from Riviera Maya and Cancún resorts, with further increases anticipated.
Sarah Connor
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed a significant increase in cyclospora infections, predominantly affecting individuals returning from Mexico.
These infections manifest with severe gastrointestinal distress, including 'explosive diarrhoea' and persistent vomiting. While many cases resolve within days, the debilitating illness can endure for over a month.
Philip Veal, a UKHSA expert, confirmed the alarming trend: "We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico." He further explained, "These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines."
We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico.
Contaminated food items, specifically herbs, salad, and soft fruit, serve as common vectors for these outbreaks. Affected individuals consumed various food and drink items within their resort environments.
The parasite, alien to the UK, cannot spread person-to-person domestically. Experts claim it could spread through fomite transmission if an infected person fails to wash their hands after using the bathroom and touches a surface, which another person then touches before touching their mouth.
While the majority of reported cases directly link to Mexico, one infection involved travel solely to the USA. Another distinct case traced back to Kenya, broadening the geographical scope of concern.
The UKHSA actively liaises with ABTA and Mexican public health authorities. This collaboration extends to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Health officials claim travellers returning from Mexico are partly to blame for the spike in UK cases. Numbers are expected to continue soaring due to increased summer travel.
The UKHSA anticipates a continued rise in travel-associated cases linked to heightened summer travel to Mexico. A potential increase in cases linked to travel to the USA also looms.
Historically, a US outbreak saw over 18,000 people infected, with Michigan emerging as the most affected state. This past event highlights the parasite's capacity for widespread impact.
Philip Veal advises travellers to Mexico and other high-risk areas to implement stringent food and water hygiene measures. He urges consumption of bottled water and thoroughly cooked food, even within high-end all-inclusive resorts.
He specifically cautions against fresh uncooked berries, herbs, unpeeled fruit, and salad items. Heating food to 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) effectively kills the parasite.
Veal stated, "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."
Diagnosis relies on testing stool samples. This confirms infection and guides appropriate treatment protocols.