Health officials in the United Kingdom are reporting a "sharp rise" in cases of cyclosporiasis among travelers returning from Mexico. Between April 30 and July 15, 67 cases were identified in England, Wales, and Scotland, according to data from the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This figure is notable when compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025. For 51 of the 67 reported cases, travel information was available, with 48 individuals having traveled to Mexico. Those who traveled to Mexico reported staying at various hotels in the Cancun and Riviera Maya regions and consuming food and beverages as part of all-inclusive packages.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The U.K. outbreak occurs as cases of the infection continue to spread in the United States, where at least nine states are part of a multi-state outbreak. This U.S. outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico, which was served at some Taco Bell restaurants. The situation has led to two deaths in Michigan, according to state health officials, though deaths from cyclosporiasis are considered rare.
Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall for all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Epidemiologists suggest that such outbreaks highlight the challenges in pinpointing the exact source of contamination, which could occur at various points in the supply chain, including farms, water sources, or processing and distribution facilities. It remains unclear if the contamination originates from one or multiple farms sharing a common source.
Officials note that increased testing due to heightened awareness may contribute to the higher number of identified cases. This increased surveillance does not negate the reality of an outbreak, but it means individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues, particularly after travel, may be more likely to receive relevant testing.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cases of cyclosporiasis have surpassed 18,000 across 45 states. This includes at least 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases and 423 hospitalizations, with an additional 11,500 cases under investigation or not yet lab-confirmed.
Experts advise individuals not to panic and not to avoid all leafy greens but to stay informed about updates from health authorities and to avoid any recalled products.