Cyclosporiasis investigations in Mexico

Health authorities in Mexico have addressed concerns regarding cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection. In Veracruz, officials confirmed the state’s first case in Coatzacoalcos. While the patient is out of danger, health secretary Mariela Hernández García characterized the incident as an “isolated case” with no evidence of an active outbreak or transmission.

Following a sanitary alert from United Kingdom authorities regarding British travelers, Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) conducted inspections in the Riviera Maya region. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 67 cases of cyclosporiasis in British travelers between April and July, with 48 of those individuals having visited Mexico.

In a coordinated effort with the General Directorate of Epidemiology, authorities conducted unannounced audits of 16 hotels, collecting 32 samples of fruits and vegetables from food bars and 11 samples of water for human use. These samples were analyzed at the national reference laboratory of the Analytical Control and Coverage Expansion Commission (CCAYAC) using real-time PCR molecular methods.

All results were negative for the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, with no indicators of contamination found. Officials stated that the findings indicate sanitary control and food handling processes in the inspected establishments were operating within safety margins. Despite these negative results, Cofepris and the Ministry of Health will maintain continuous sanitary surveillance and food chain traceability to prevent future risks to local and international visitors.