UK Warns of Cyclospora Rise in Mexico Travelers

London — The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a sharp rise in cyclospora infections among travelers returning from Mexico, and is advising travelers abroad to maintain strict food and water hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

Of the 67 cyclospora cases the UKHSA has recorded, 48 were linked to travel to Mexico. The agency said it is in contact with Mexican health authorities and is keeping them informed as it investigates the increase.

In the United States, Michigan health officials said two people have died from cyclosporiasis — the first confirmed US deaths tied to the microscopic parasite. Both had underlying health conditions that may have been complicated by intestinal illness and dehydration, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said. The department declined to release further details.

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation has linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and traced to Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities are still looking into other possible sources.

Sysco, the largest US food distributor, has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ Mexico operations because of the outbreak, CEO Kevin Hourican said.

What is cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea, described by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” Outbreaks occur most often in late spring and summer.

The disease, cyclosporiasis, is rarely fatal, according to the CDC. The parasite infects the intestines and spreads through feces. In past outbreaks, people have become infected after eating fruits or vegetables exposed to irrigation water contaminated with feces.

Dr. Joel Kammeyer, chief of the infectious disease division at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, called the deaths a “tragedy,” but noted that only two deaths have occurred despite thousands of US cases. Cyclosporiasis is less common than other foodborne illnesses such as salmonellosis and E. coli.

US case count

The CDC says it is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current outbreak, though state reports suggest the number may exceed 20,000 nationwide.

As of late July, 1,947 cases had been linked to lettuce, including at least 98 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.