Bucks Free Press
·Aug 2026
Cyclospora parasite causing diarrhoea arrives in UK
Cyclospora infections linked to travel, particularly from Mexico, have reached 67 reported cases in the UK since April, already approaching most of a typical year's total. The parasite is acquired through food or water contaminated with human faeces and can cause prolonged watery diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, fatigue and other gastrointestinal symptoms, although it cannot be passed directly between people. Most healthy people recover, but those with weakened immune systems may need medical attention. Travellers are advised to maintain hand hygiene, avoid preparing food for others while ill, stay hydrated and seek urgent care for persistent diarrhoea, inability to retain fluids or severe dehydration.