British tourists hit by parasite – for the fifth year in a row

For the fifth consecutive year, British tourists were hit by a nasty parasite after eating contaminated food in the seaside resorts of Cancún and Riviera Maya.

A report published today in the British newspaper Daily Express said that at least 14 British nationals have recently been infected with cyclospora bug, which is transmitted through food and water contaminated with human excreta.

The parasite causes nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and loss of appetite, and can be particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.

The latest outbreak in Quintana Roo prompted Health Protection Scotland to issue a warning advising anyone who recently visited resorts in Mexico and feeling sick to see a doctor.

A travel notice published on the website of the public health authority indicates that it is strongly recommended that all travelers to Mexico maintain a high level of food, water and personal hygiene, even if They stay in luxury hotels.

Since 2015, nearly 600 Britons have been affected by the Cyclospora virus during their visit to Cancún or the Riviera Maya or after returning home. The area was alerted by Public Health England three years ago after hundreds of people were stricken by the parasite.

The British authorities estimate that the number of cases will increase rapidly this year, as several resorts in Quintana Roo would be affected by the last outbreak. Evidence suggests that third-party food deliveries are to blame.

Salad ingredients such as lettuce, herbs such as mint, coriander and basil, as well as berries such as raspberries are particularly likely to be hosts to the parasite cyclospora.

Nick Harris, a lawyer who represents more than 450 victims of past and current epidemics, said that this year he had been contacted by people who fell ill while they were staying in five different complexes.

"But I understand that there are other people affected and as it is high season, like the other years, it could spread like wildfire," he said. declared.

"People saved all year and were disappointed only by their tour operator at the first hurdle. They knew that this insect was raging in Mexico, but did not tell people, preferring to remain silent. . . Tour operators need to do more instead of placing profit before the safety of their customers who trust them. "

Source: Daily Express

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