Mexico investigates tourist hotspot after UK travellers fall ill with cyclospora
Health authorities are testing food and water at hotels after British travellers reported cases of the gastrointestinal infection
Mexican health authorities are investigating more than a dozen hotels in Quintana Roo after UK officials reported cases of cyclosporiasis among travellers who had stayed in the popular tourism region.
Mexico’s health ministry said food and water samples were being tested at the properties as officials seek to establish the source of the infections. Laboratory results will be released once the analysis has been completed.
The investigation follows an alert from British health authorities concerning travellers who developed the gastrointestinal illness after visiting Quintana Roo, which includes major resorts such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Mexico has so far recorded 33 cases of cyclosporiasis across several states, although the ministry has not confirmed how many are linked to the hotels under investigation or how many involve international visitors.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and is generally associated with contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include prolonged diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
The investigation could lead to increased requests for medical advice, outpatient treatment, and support from travellers who develop symptoms during or after their trips. Cases may also require coordination between overseas medical providers and healthcare services in travellers’ home countries, as symptoms can emerge after departure.