UK health agency sees rise in cyclospora cases from Mexico

Health officials in the United Kingdom have reported a significant increase in cases of a foodborne parasitic infection among travelers returning from Mexico. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published data on July 30, 2026, showing 67 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in England, Wales, and Scotland between April 30 and July 15, 2026. This figure represents a sharp rise compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded across the entire years from 2022 to 2025.

The parasite, Cyclospora, causes an intestinal illness whose symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. While the infection is typically mild and resolves within a few days without treatment, it can be more serious or prolonged in people with weakened immune systems. The parasite does not occur naturally in the UK and is not spread from person to person; infection is acquired solely through consuming contaminated food or water.

Of the 67 recent cases, travel information was available for 52 individuals. Among these, 48 reported travel to Mexico, with one of those also reporting travel to the United States. One further case reported travel only to the USA, and...