Cyclospora: what it is, and how can you protect yourself when travelling?
Every summer, a small but steady number of UK travellers return from holidays abroad with an unwelcome souvenir: a parasitic infection that can leave them dealing with unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms for weeks. This summer we’ve seen a sharp rise in illness caused by cyclospora.
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis, an illness that manifests through gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fever, tiredness, and weight loss. This summer, there has been an increase in cyclosporia cases among UK travelers returning from overseas trips. Cyclospora is not endemic to the UK and is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions like Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In recent years, Mexico has been the source of most UK cases.
The parasite enters the body through contaminated food or water, with fresh produce like soft or unpeeled fruit, salad leaves, and herbs being common carriers. It's not transmitted through direct contact between individuals. Symptoms usually appear a week post-consumption of contaminated food or water, although they can last for several days to weeks or recur after seeming to disappear.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV, are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe or prolonged illness.
Preparation is key to avoiding illness during travel. Consult the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website for country-specific guidance. Pack a basic first aid kit, including hand sanitizer and oral rehydration sachets, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance. Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands frequently, using alcohol hand gel when soap and water are unavailable, and sticking to bottled or boiled water.
Avoid ice in drinks, fresh produce that may not have been washed in safe water, and opt for well-cooked food, particularly fruits you can peel yourself.
Should you fall ill while abroad, stay hydrated with safe fluids and seek medical attention promptly, especially if you have a weakened immune system or severe symptoms. Upon returning, consult healthcare professionals and inform them of your recent travel history, including the specific locations visited, to ensure appropriate testing and management.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) safeguards public health by monitoring disease trends, investigating outbreaks, and providing vital advice. They report laboratory-confirmed cases through the national laboratory notification system and collaborate with partners like NaTHNaC, ABTA, and public health authorities in affected countries to ensure travelers have access to the latest guidance.
Written by urgent.news from UK Health Security Agency's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
