Pharmacist says people returning to UK from US may bring explosive diarrhoea bug

Thousands of people have fallen ill thanks to a parasite12:28, 20 Jul 2026Updated 12:33, 20 Jul 2026There are fears lettuce leaves in fast food may have been linked to the outbreakA pharmacist has issued an urgent warning to fans returning from the World Cup in the US as a surge in parasitic infections (Cyclospora) across the country has left thousands with explosive diarrhoea. In recent weeks, almost 7,000 cases have emerged across 34 states, with 94 people hospitalised. The parasite is linked to contaminated food and water, with US authorities still unclear as to the source of the outbreak.‌US fast-food chain Taco Bell removed lettuce from its menu in some states after investigations found it could be linked to the outbreak‌Symptoms can take more than a week to appear, meaning football f