Returning To UK From Mexico? UKHSA Issues Explosive Diarrhoea Warning

Travellers heading to Mexico have been warned to take precautions to reduce their risk of picking up a nasty, explosive diarrhoea infection.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted a “sharp rise” in cyclospora infections among travellers returning to the UK from Mexico.

The health body said 67 cases have been reported in returning travellers between 30 April and 15 July this year – of these, 48 had travelled to Mexico.

As a result, it’s urging holidaymakers to maintain good food and water hygiene while abroad.

You might’ve seen headlines in the news about an explosive diarrhoea outbreak sweeping the United States. Per the BBC, more than 18,000 people may have been infected – with Michigan hit hardest.

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea. Contaminated food – especially herbs, salad and soft fruit – are common sources of outbreaks and infections.

The UKHSA noted that cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person.

If you do happen to consume something that’s contaminated with the parasite, symptoms of infection can include frequent (and sometimes explosive) watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and most people improve typically in a few days without any treatment, infections can be more serious or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised. In this instance, antibiotics may be needed.

The UKHSA said it anticipates a rise in travel-associated cases linked to increased summer travel to Mexico and a potential increase in cases linked to travel to the USA, where a widespread outbreak has also been reported.

Dr Philip Veal, consultant in travel health at UKHSA, said 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, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts”.

“We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items,” he added.

If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider of your travel history, the expert advised.