'Sharp rise' in cyclosporiasis cases in UK linked to Mexico travel. What to know
Summary
Health officials in the UK have reported a sharp increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, among travelers returning from Mexico. At least 67 cases were reported between late April and mid-July, with most patients having visited popular Mexican tourist areas. Meanwhile, the US is also experiencing a large outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce from Mexico.Key Facts
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite named Cyclospora cayetanensis.
- Between April 30 and July 15, 67 cyclosporiasis cases were reported in the UK among travelers returning from Mexico.
- Most of these UK cases involved stays in Cancún and Riviera Maya regions.
- From 2022 to 2025, the UK saw about 93 cases annually on average, so the current number shows a sharp rise.
- In the US, over 18,000 cases have been reported across 45 states in 2026, including 6,707 confirmed by lab tests and 423 hospitalizations.
- A multi-state outbreak in the US has been linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, grown in central Mexico.
- Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to the outbreak.
- Officials say it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where contamination happens — on farms, during processing, or along distribution.
- Increased testing and awareness may partly explain why more cases are being found now.
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