Mexico confirms 33 cyclosporiasis cases, denies being origin of U.S. outbreak

Mexico's Health Secretariat has confirmed 33 cases of cyclosporiasis across the country, while asserting that no conclusive evidence suggests a reported outbreak in the United States originated in Mexico. The cases are under epidemiological surveillance, and investigations are ongoing regarding reports from the U.S. and British travelers who visited the Mexican Caribbean.

Health authorities from both Mexico and the United States found no Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite in samples taken from a packaging plant in Guanajuato, central Mexico. U.S. officials had identified this plant as a potential source of the outbreak, following initial accusations against a lettuce packer distributed by Taylor Farms to establishments like Taco Bell.

In parallel, the Secretariat inspected 16 hotels in the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, where British travelers had stayed and contracted the infection. These visits, concluded on August 4, included epidemiological interviews, reviews of food processes and traceability, and the collection of fruit, vegetable, and water samples. Results from these analyses will be released upon completion.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection primarily causing severe diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever, and vomiting. It is not typically transmitted person-to-person, is more common in warmer months from May to August, and is usually contracted from contaminated fruits and vegetables.