EXPERTS have warned Brits about the food poisoning hotspots abroad amid an outbreak of a diarrhoea bug tearing its way through the US.
As school summer holidays begin, Brits will soon be travelling to exciting destinations, including all-inclusives with big buffets.
Brits should be aware of the food poisoning hotspots abroad as the school summer holiday season starts Credit: Getty
An outbreak of a parasite causing explosive diarrhoea is currently spreading across the US Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
But with a parasite causing explosive diarrhoea spreading like wildfire across the US, you may want to know where the hotspots for the bug are before you head off.
An upset stomach can be caused by a number of parasites and viruses.
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Generally, international travel is thought to be a major risk factor for developing gastrointestinal illnesses. According to a paper published in Cambridge University Press earlier this year, transmission is thought to be more likely in countries which have lower food hygiene standards, poorer sanitation, and lack of access to clean water.
But experts warn you can pick them up in even the nicest hotels when you go to another country. From Turkey to Mexico, Spain and the US, where are you potentially likely to pick up a nasty infection?
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Exploding states outbreak
Cases have been identified in 41 states with 308 hospitalisations recorded Credit: CDC
The US is experiecing a cyclosporiasis outbreaks spanning 41 states.
As of Tuesday, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed 4,173 cases of the parasite through lab testing with 308 hospitalisations.
And the agency said it was aware of more than 7,400 additional reported cases that require more analysis and confirmation.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines, causing watery and sometimes explosive diarrhoea, as well as stomach cramps, loss of appetite and bloating.
People experience symptoms of disease about one week after consuming food or water contaminated with cyclospora, but between two days and two weeks.
Along with watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, cramping, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue, less common symptoms include vomiting, a headache, body aches and a fever.
It’s usually picked up from consuming water or food – often fresh produce like salad and herbs.
The illness is not usually life-threatening and can typically be combated with antibiotics, but symptoms may take a long time to go away if they’re not treated.
Officials are investigating whether the outbreak could be linked to lettuce added to meals in the fast food chain Taco Bell.
Some people who became ill told investigators they had eaten at Taco Bell, but others who became sick did not, suggesting the outbreak extends beyond the chain.
With the source still unknown, it’s feared that cases could continue to crop up throughout July and August.
There are now over 4,000 confirmed cases of the parasite infection in the US Credit: Getty
Hotspots for cyclosporiasis
The current US outbreak has seen a particularly high number of cases recorded in Michigan – between 901 and 2,100 – and Ohio, where there have been between 301 and 500 cases.
Other states where a number of cases have been reported include North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida and New Jersey.
The cyclospora parasite is not found in the UK.
But it is commonly found in parts of central and south America, south and southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, according to the NHS.
For example, the incidence of the infection increases in warms periods of high rainfall in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Jordan or Nepal, according to a paper in Microorganisms.
But in Peru and Turkey, the infection is more prevalent in the hotter, drier months when there is an absence of rain.
Similarly, cases in India and Vietnam tend to be more common before the rainy season.
Notably, most UK travel-related cases of the infection have been associated with visits to Mexico.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), “seasonal outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in UK travellers returning from Mexico have been reported since 2015”.
Lettuce could be a potential source of the infection in the US Credit: EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS
The 8 precautions to avoid cyclosporaisis when abroad
You can reduce your risk of cyclospora infection by following good food and water hygiene, even if you are staying in a luxury hotel or high-end all-inclusive resort.
Other things you can do to avoid infection include:
Washing your hands regularly with soap and clean water
Where there is no clean water supply, drinking only bottled or boiled tap water (this includes brushing your teeth)
Avoid ice in drinks
Avoid fresh produce that may have been washed with tap water including berries, salads, vegetables and herbs
Choose fruit you can peel yourself like bananas and oranges
Pasteurised dairy products, like yoghurts, are generally safer choices
Eat food that has been freshly cooked and is served hot
Remember that smoothies, juices and other drinks may contain raw fruit, veg or herbs
If you become ill abroad, you should:
Drink plenty of bottled or boiled and cooled water
Use oral rehydration solutions to avoid dehydration
Get early medical advice if you have a weakened immune system or are at higher risk of complications
Seek medical help if your symptoms are severe or do not improve
Source: National Travel Health Network and Centre
These included a spate of 176 cases in 2015, most of which were linked to travel to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico, according to Eurosurveillance, and a 2017 outbreak of 58 cases, with 23 of those having travelled to Mexico.
Between May and August 2023, more than half (48 of 74) of cyclosporiasis cases were people who had been to Mexico.
Most of those cases reported staying in several hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancun regions and said they ate a “wide variety” of food and drink in all-inclusive resorts.
While there is not an outbreak of the parasite in Mexico at the moment, travellers should be aware of the risks.
Close to home
Cryptosporidium lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, another another parasite called cryptosporidium caused mayhem among British tourists in Spain in 2023.
Health authorities across the UK and Ireland issued warnings following a sharp surge in cryptosporidiosis cases among tourists returning from areas like Salou (Catalonia), Majorca, and parts of the Canary Islands.
The increase was seen throughout Spain, with the incidence per 100,000 population sixfold higher than the average of 2016–2022, according to Eurosurveillance.
Cases were traced back to contaminated hotel swimming pools, water parks and even unwashed buffet salads.
The nasty bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. It can then spread and contaminate water sources like lakes, rivers, and swimming pools, as well as food like raw milk and vegetables.
But you can catch it in the UK, too. Over 5,700 cases were reported in England in 2024 and more than 4,100 were confirmed last year, according to UKHSA.
Salmonella is also a tummy bug that can have devastating consequences.
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, feeling sick, being sick, and a high temperature.
Earlier this year, UKHSA data highlighted cases of Salmonella linked to travel to Cape Verde.
Between October 2025 and February 2026, 43 cases from three separate clusters were identified and linked to travel there.
Meanwhile, a Brit died last year from Salmonella after eating a half-cooked chicken while on holiday in the Canary Islands.
He sadly developed complications from the sickness, including sepsis and kidney failure, and died in hospital four weeks later.
What is cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes an illness or disease called cryptosporidiosis affecting people and some animals, particularly farm animals.
It can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals, and may contaminate lakes, streams and rivers, swimming pools, untreated or poorly treated water, food, especially raw milk and fresh produce, and objects such as farm gates and outdoor boots and clothing.
Who is at risk
Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in children aged between one and five years old.
Others at risk include people:
Who handle infected livestock or their faeces
exposed to human faeces through caring (such as changing nappies, toileting young children) or through sexual contact
Who drink from untreated, unprotected water supplies or swallow contaminated recreational waters (lakes, rivers, streams, swimming pools or splash pads)
Who travel to countries where these exposures are likely
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, a low-grade fever and loss of appetite, which can lead to dehydration.
Symptoms usually last for about 2 weeks but can be longer, especially in people with weak immune systems.
During the illness, you might think that you are getting better and have shaken off the infection but then it returns a couple of days later before you fully recover. As symptoms are similar to many other tummy bugs, the only way to know you have cryptosporidium is for a doctor to ask for a sample of your faeces to be tested in a laboratory.
How to avoid getting and passing on cryptosporidiosis
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before preparing and eating food, after handling raw food, after going to the toilet and after working with animals.
Other advice includes:
Help young children to wash their hands properly
Always wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them
Do not drink untreated water
Do not consume ice or tap water in countries where the water supply might be unsafe
Avoid swallowing water in lakes and swimming pools
Source: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Must-do’s to protect yourself from bugs abroad
Brits travelling to any of the spots mentioned above this summer should take precautions, both before going away and while abroad, to avoid getting ill.
They are advised to pack a basic first aid kit in their luggage, including hand sanitiser and oral rehydration sachets in case of diarrhoea.
The UKHSA “strongly” advises travellers to maintain good food and water hygiene at all times when visiting the country, even if they are staying in “high-end all-inclusive resorts”.
The agency said: “If possible, they should choose freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot.
“Certain foods should be avoided such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items as these can be difficult to clean.”
UKHSA added: “Travellers should only use bottled or treated water for drinking and cleaning teeth.
“Ice in drinks should be avoided unless from a treated water source.”
Comprehensive travel insurance is also recommended for anyone going on holiday.
If you experience any symptoms of a severe bug when you return from holiday, you should seek medical help.
Make sure to tell your nurse, doctor or other health professional that you have recently travelled abroad, including all the countries you visited.
