Sheinbaum Says Cyclosporiasis Tests in Quintana Roo So Far Negative

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that results from food and water testing in Quintana Roo have so far been negative for cyclosporiasis, as federal health officials investigate a possible outbreak linked to international tourists.

Speaking at the La Mañanera del Pueblo press conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum said authorities were still analyzing samples but that “so far everything has come back negative.”

Víctor Hugo Borja, head of the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris), said the agency is maintaining several open investigations related to international reports of potential cyclosporiasis and salmonellosis outbreaks tied to food of Mexican origin. So far, he said, testing has not turned up evidence of a health risk.

One of the cases under review involves a notification from the United Kingdom, where 48 people fell ill after traveling to several countries, including Mexico and the United States. Investigators found that some of those affected had stayed at hotels in Quintana Roo and consumed fresh vegetables while there.

In response, Cofepris inspectors checked 16 hotels in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, collecting 32 food samples and 11 water samples, which are still being processed in agency laboratories.

Borja noted that since 2020, Cofepris has received about 17 international notices about possible outbreaks associated with Mexican products, handled jointly with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Service for Health, Safety and Agri-Food Quality (Senasica). He stressed that all results so far have been negative, with no evidence confirming a health risk related to the cases under investigation.

Health Secretary David Kershenobich confirmed that Mexico has recorded 33 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 31 but said there is no active outbreak in the country. The parasitic infection causes “explosive diarrhea” and occurs worldwide, with cases more evident between May and August, he said.

“The message is that we will continue to report transparently, with scientific evidence, and work to protect the health of all Mexicans,” Kershenobich said. “We want to send a message of reassurance: we do not have an active outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the country.”