| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Cyclospora | A parasite causing intestinal infections and severe diarrhea. |
| COFEPRIS | Mexico’s health safety agency responsible for monitoring and protecting public health. |
| PCR | A lab technique used to detect pathogens like Cyclospora. |
A recent health investigation in Mexico revealed no presence of the Cyclospora parasite at 16 hotels located in the Riviera Maya. The investigation was carried out when dozens of British tourists fell ill after visiting the Quintana Roo coast. Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) tested 32 samples of fruits and vegetables and 11 water samples, all of which came back negative for the parasite.
The samples were analyzed using a technique called real-time PCR, which is used to find pathogens. The COFEPRIS National Reference Laboratory conducted the tests as part of a larger effort to monitor health safety in the region. This effort was done in partnership with the General Directorate of Epidemiology.
COFEPRIS confirmed that the tests found no signs of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis. This parasite can cause severe diarrhea and is usually linked to contaminated food and water, often from unwashed greens like lettuce.
The issue gained international attention when the United Kingdom reported an increase in cyclosporiasis cases among travelers who returned from Mexico. However, COFEPRIS emphasized that the infection occurs in many parts of the world.
In the United States, a similar outbreak has affected more than 1,600 people. Mexico’s health minister, Dr. David Kershenobich, highlighted that these cases are a tiny fraction of the population and that there’s no evidence pointing to Mexico as the outbreak’s source.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Parasite | Parásito |
| Sample | Muestra |
| Analysis | Análisis |
Time to discuss
- Why is it important to test food and water for parasites like Cyclospora?
- How do international health concerns impact travel and tourism?
- What role do health agencies play in preventing the spread of infections?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis, and how is it transmitted?
- Why might health investigations like this one be important for public safety?
