Urgent warning over alarming surge in parasite that causes 'explosive' diarrhoea - linked to popular holiday hotspots

Health chiefs have warned of a huge spike in cases of a parasitic infection that causes 'explosive' diarrhoea in the UK – with travellers returning from Mexico partly to blame. At least 67 people have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis – which spreads through contaminated water or food – since May, with more than half of these having returned from the country. The parasite is ravaging through the US, with nearly 7,000 cases now confirmed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.While cyclosporiasis doesn't naturally occur in the UK, health officials are now advising all travellers to take precautions following a sharp rise in infections in the UK.Latest figures, published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), show 67 cases have now been reported in England, Wales and Scotland between April 30 and July 15. On average, just 93 cases are reported per year, indicating a sharp rise in infections. Of the 67 cases that have been reported in returning travellers, 48 were linked to travel to Mexico, with one patient also visiting the US. One case was linked to travel to the US alone and another to Kenya. At least 67 people are known to have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis since May, with more than half of these having returned from the countryDr Philip Veal, consultant in travel health at the UKHSA, said: 'We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico. 'These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines.' Anyone experiencing symptoms including watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps or pain, nausea and flu-like symptoms should seek urgent medical attention and inform their doctor of their travel history, the UKHSA advises.Officials anticipate numbers to continue to soar, as a result of summer travel to Mexico and the US, where a widespread outbreak has been reported. Most UK cases have been traced back to all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, where thousands of Britons flock to every year. The unpleasant illness, which can also cause stomach cramps and flatulence, is caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with cyclospora, most commonly through fresh produce such as leafy greens, herbs and berries.The sickness can last for more than a month but most cases resolve within a few days. Although usually mild, it can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. Dr Veal continued: '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.'The stomach infection is diagnosed by testing of stool samples, and although most cases resolve on their own, antibiotics can be given to treat severe or prolonged infections.It comes following an outbreak in the US, which public health experts say is likely linked to multiple points of contamination in the food supply. Michigan has been hit hardest, with over 3,300 cases, followed by New York State. The UKHSA is in contact with Mexican public health authorities to inform investigations into the rise in cases. What is cyclospora? How is it transmitted? Everything you need to know Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that is best treated by an antibiotic.It's caused by a microscopic parasite, called Cyclospora cayetanensis.When this parasite contaminates food or water and is then ingested, it can cause the intestinal illness.Symptoms of the stomach illness include diarrhoea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements, loss of appetite, weight loss and stomach cramps and pain.Other common signs reported include bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.If left untreated, cyclosporiasis may last anywhere from a few days to a month, or longer.The stomach infection is diagnosed by testing of stool samples, and although most cases resolve on their own, antibiotics can be given to treat severe or prolonged infections.