Mexico Inspects 16 Hotels After Cyclosporiasis Cases

Quintana Roo — Mexico’s health ministry has confirmed 33 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis that can cause severe diarrhea, after the United Kingdom reported cases among travelers who had visited the Riviera Maya.

In response, health authorities inspected 16 hotels across Quintana Roo, collecting samples of fruits, vegetables, and water to identify possible sources of contamination. The inspections were carried out by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) and the General Directorate of Epidemiology, working in five teams that visited the properties, interviewed staff, and reviewed sanitation procedures.

Inspectors traced the route of food through the facilities, evaluated handling practices, and sent samples of fresh produce and water to laboratories for analysis. The health ministry said the field visits concluded on Tuesday and results will be released once laboratory studies are completed.

The inspections also identified areas for improvement in sanitation monitoring, particularly the detection and timely reporting of health risks. Authorities noted the need for additional training for medical personnel, stronger reporting systems, and procedures to ensure food safety at tourist establishments.

Corrective measures are now being implemented alongside state authorities, health institutions, and medical service providers, the ministry said. The 33 people diagnosed with cyclosporiasis remain under clinical follow-up.

The ministry stressed that the preliminary identification of a country possibly linked to a contaminated product does not mean the infection originated there, and investigations will continue until scientific evidence is available.

Epidemiological surveillance for Cyclospora cayetanensis remains active in Mexico, with support from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) and the National Service for Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (Senasica).