Canada updates Mexico travel advice over cyclosporiasis risk

The Government of Canada has updated its travel health information for Mexico, warning Canadian travellers about the possible risk of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite.

The infection can result from contaminated food or water and is unlikely to spread directly between people. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom. Without treatment, symptoms can last from days to months, may persist for six or seven weeks in some cases, and can return after seeming to resolve.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says prescription treatment is available. Symptoms may improve within two to three days, though intestinal symptoms can take weeks to clear completely.

Travellers are advised to use safe water sources, avoid food washed with local drinking water, choose cooked food and select fruit they can peel themselves. Washing produce alone may not remove the parasite; PHAC also recommends cooking produce imported from places where Cyclospora is found and following safe food-handling practices.

Canadians travelling abroad can also register with the free, confidential Registration of Canadians Abroad service for emergency notifications.