Cyclospora Travel Advice | ANPC Clinic
How to reduce your risk of Cyclospora while travelling
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite every traveller should keep in mind alongside vaccinations, insect bites and sun protection. While food and water safety are easy to overlook, this organism causes a persistent intestinal infection known as Cyclosporiasis that can quickly derail a trip.
For most people, the main symptom is diarrhoea, but the illness can be prolonged and can significantly affect your holiday or your health after you return home.
Why are we talking about Cyclospora now?
Cyclospora parasite can be found in tropical/subtropical countries in Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
There has been a recent increase in Cyclospora infections reported among UK travellers returning from Mexico.
Between 30 April and 15 July 2026, 67 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported across the UK. Of the cases where travel information was available, most reported recent travel to Mexico, particularly the Riviera Maya and Cancún areas.
This does not mean that every traveller to Mexico will become infected.
It does mean that travellers should take food and water hygiene seriously, including when staying in high-quality or all-inclusive accommodation.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that can infect the digestive system.
It is not naturally found in the UK and is associated mainly with tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
The infection is acquired by swallowing food or water contaminated with the parasite.
How can travellers become infected?
Contaminated food and water are the main sources of infection.
Potentially higher-risk foods can include:
- Raw salads
- Fresh herbs
- Uncooked berries and other soft fruit
- Fruit that has not been peeled
- Food prepared using contaminated water
Ice and drinks can also be a consideration if they have been prepared using unsafe water.
Good hygiene is therefore important throughout your trip — not just when eating from street stalls or small local establishments.
Could I still get Cyclospora at all-inclusive resorts?
It is easy to assume that staying at a high-end hotel or all-inclusive resort removes the risk of food- and water-borne infections.
Unfortunately, it does not.
Recent UK cases associated with travel to Mexico have involved people staying at a range of hotels and resorts and eating a variety of foods and drinks.
The sensible approach is therefore to continue practising good food and water hygiene regardless of the standard of your accommodation.
What symptoms can Cyclospora cause?
Symptoms can appear after returning home, so it is important to remember where you have travelled if you become unwell.
Possible symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Increased wind
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
The illness can be persistent, and symptoms may improve and then return.
For some people, particularly those with certain health conditions affecting the immune system, the infection can be more serious or prolonged.
How can you reduce your risk?
There is no way to remove every risk of infection while travelling, but sensible precautions can help.
Choose food carefully
Where possible:
Choose freshly prepared food that has been thoroughly cooked and served hot.
Be particularly cautious with raw salads, fresh herbs, uncooked berries and other foods that may be difficult to clean safely.
Fruit that you can peel yourself can be a practical choice.
Take care with water
Use water that you know is safe for:
- Drinking
- Brushing your teeth
- Making drinks
- Taking medication
If you are unsure whether tap water is safe, choose bottled, boiled or appropriately treated water.
Be cautious with ice unless you know it has been made using safe water.
Wash your hands
Regular handwashing with soap and safe water remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of many infections.
Wash your hands particularly:
- Before eating
- Before handling food
- After using the toilet
- After changing nappies
Hand sanitiser can be useful when soap and water are not available, although it should not replace proper handwashing when your hands are visibly dirty.
What should you do if you develop diarrhoea after travel?
Most short-lived episodes of travellers’ diarrhoea settle without complications. However, persistent diarrhoea after overseas travel should not simply be ignored.
If you develop ongoing diarrhoea or other significant stomach symptoms after returning home, tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel.
This information can help them consider infections that are associated with overseas travel. Cyclospora can be diagnosed using stool testing, and specific treatment may be required for some people.
Keeping hydrated is particularly important if you have diarrhoea.
When should you seek medical advice if you are showing symptoms of Cyclospora?
Seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, particularly if you have:
- Significant or persistent diarrhoea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent loss of appetite
- Symptoms that improve and then return
- A weakened immune system
- Recent overseas travel followed by prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms
If you are seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.
A simple message for travellers
You do not need to let the risk of Cyclospora spoil your holiday.
A few sensible habits can make a difference:
Clean hands. Safe water. Carefully chosen food.
And if you become unwell after returning from abroad, remember to tell your healthcare professional where you have travelled and when you returned.
REMEMBER
Travel well. Stay informed. Protect your health.
For more travel-health information, see our other blog posts.
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Email: info@anpchealthandtravelclinic.co.uk
This article provides general travel-health information and does not replace individual medical advice. Travel health recommendations can change as new information becomes available. Always seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances.
Last reviewed: August 2026