British travelers have received a food alert due to an uptick in cyclosporiasis cases causing severe diarrhea. Mexico and the US are among the popular vacation spots affected by this outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite known as Cyclospora. It typically spreads through consuming contaminated food or water that contains the parasite from human feces.
Common symptoms of this infection include watery diarrhea and sudden bowel movements, lasting for weeks. Travel Health Pro highlighted that most cases in the UK are linked to trips to Mexico, where Cyclospora is commonly found along with other tropical and subtropical regions.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the US between May 1 and July 9 this year, with no fatalities but 86 hospitalizations.
Travel Health Pro advised on safe eating practices abroad, emphasizing that contamination risks can be reduced by maintaining good food and water hygiene, even in upscale accommodations. They further noted that not all individuals infected with Cyclospora exhibit symptoms, which typically appear about a week after consuming contaminated food or beverages.
Symptoms may include mild diarrhea that can persist for weeks, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The CDC described Cyclospora as causing watery diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.
For those falling ill overseas, seeking urgent medical attention is crucial. In the UK, individuals experiencing diarrhea post-travel should promptly consult a GP or contact NHS 111. If abroad, immediate medical advice is recommended.
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