Cyclospora most often occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including:
- South America
- Central America
- South Asia
- South East Asia
- Middle East
- Africa
Most recently UK travellers to Mexico have been affected.
Symptoms usually start one to seven days after the parasite is ingested. Infection causes watery diarrhoea that can last for days to weeks, and recur. Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, mild fever and weight loss may also occur. Infection can be more serious in those with a compromised immune system.
Visit the NHS Inform website for information about the symptoms and managing gastroenteritis.
Guidance
If you are travelling, the fitfortravel website gives advice on avoiding cyclosporiasis as well as how you can reduce the chance of infection by following their food and water precautions.
Download and print this cyclospora advice sheet for travellers.
Data and surveillance
Surveillance reports
View our latest cyclospora surveillance report.
Data tables
View annual totals for cyclospora in the ten-year gastrointestinal and zoonoses data tables.
Travel-associated outbreaks
On the Eurosurveillance website you can find further information about outbreaks of cyclospora associated with travel to Mexico: