Mexico finds no cyclospora parasite in Riviera Maya hotels despite UK links
UKPulse Consumer Desk
Mexico's health ministry has reported negative tests for the cyclospora parasite in over a dozen hotels in the Riviera Maya, a popular tourist destination. This follows UK health officials linking cases of cyclosporiasis to holidays in Mexico.
- Mexico's health ministry found no cyclospora parasite in tests from over a dozen Riviera Maya hotels.
- UK health authorities have linked cases of cyclosporiasis to tourists who visited Mexico.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 67 UK cases in two and a half months, a rise from previous years.
Mexico's health ministry has stated that tests conducted on over a dozen hotels in the Riviera Maya, a popular Caribbean tourist hub, were negative for the cyclospora parasite. This announcement comes after UK health officials linked cases of cyclosporiasis to holidays in Mexico.
British health authorities reported cases of the stomach illness, spread by contaminated food or drink, in tourists returning from the region. Mexican authorities used PCR tests on fruit, vegetable, and water samples from the hotels, all of which returned negative results.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published figures showing 67 UK cases were reported in two and a half months, a significant increase compared to an average of 93 cases recorded across an entire year previously. Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA, noted a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico last month.
What this means for you: Travellers to Mexico and other areas where the infection is more common can reduce their risk by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food. It is also advised to avoid certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit, and salad items. If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea or stomach cramps, seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history.