Brits heading off on holiday to Mexico have been handed a travel warning after tourists were struck down by a nasty bug at hotels in top resorts.
At least 14 Brit tourists are known to have fallen ill at hotels in Riviera Maya and Cancun, the Mirror reports.
It is the fifth year in a row that guests have been struck down by the cyclospora parasite which is spread by contaminated water and food.
Symptoms include frequent diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, flatulence and a loss of appetite.
Anyone visiting the affected areas that falls ill is advised to seek medical attention.
Cyclospora most often occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including South and Central America, South and South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
More than 78 Brits were struck down by the parasite in Mexico in 2017, while 443 were affected in Riviera Maya and Cancun areas in 2016.
Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales are amongst the UK bodies that have issued warnings to Brits looking to travel to the affected region.
A spokesperson for Public Health Wales said: “Public Health Wales, along with other health agencies across the UK, has seen an increase in reports of Cyclospora infection in returning travellers from Mexico.
“In Wales, there have been a total of 12 cases associated with travel to Mexico in 2019.
"The majority of cases stayed in the Riviera Maya and Cancun regions of Mexico.
“Get medical advice if you experience any symptoms, either during your holiday or after you return. If you are ill when you get home, remember to tell your GP about your travel history.”
Health Protection Scotland added: “Foods often implicated in outbreaks include soft fruits like raspberries and salad products such as coriander, basil and lettuce.
“On return from Mexico, if travellers have any symptoms such as those described above they should seek medical attention and inform their GP of their travel history.”
