Latest news with #AlbaDobbinson
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Number of Brits ‘horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital
'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month,' one mum said FARM ALERT Number of Brits 'horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital THE number of people who have fallen sick with an animal-borne bug after visiting a petting farm in Wales has risen to 81, officials have confirmed. Sixteen people have been rushed to hospital - the same as before - after visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan. At least one of these is a four-year-old boy. Advertisement 6 At least 81 people have fallen ill with an animal parasite after visiting a farm Credit: Facebook @Cowbridge Farm / Car Boot Sale 6 Alba Dobbinson was one of the youngest who tested positive for the diarrhoea bug Credit: WNS All tested positive for cryptosporidium, also called 'crypto' - a highly contagious parasite that causes diarrhoea and spreads easily between humans and animals. Among the youngest who became ill was little Alba Dobbinson. The eight-year-old was hit with nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mum, Vici, on April 17. Photos show the little girl cuddling the animals and close contact with infected livestock is one of the main ways the bug spreads. Advertisement Vici said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it. 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." She added: "She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' Meanwhile, Gareth Carpenter said he had never seen his son Michael so unwell after he was hospitalised, suspected of catching the parasite at the farm. Advertisement "He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before," he told WalesOnline. "We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps," he added. How to ease diarrhoea The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission," Beverley Griggs, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said. Advertisement All cases have been linked to visits to the farm between March and April 2025. Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and inform them of the visit. Advertisement 'We advise anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or nausea to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales," Beverley added. 6 The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak Credit: WNS 6 Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales Credit: WNS 6 The highly contagious parasite spreads easily between humans and animals Credit: WNS Advertisement The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection according to the NHS include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea Vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Dehydration Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after infection and can last for around two weeks once they appear. Sometimes the illness may seem to improve as symptoms ease, but they can return before full recovery. Beverley said: "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems. Advertisement 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person." Due to the bug's highly infectious nature people with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are told to stay off work or school until they have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Touching infected poo and then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth is a common way of catching cryptosporidios. This is because the bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. Advertisement "Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread," Beverley added. 6 Crypto lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo Credit: Alamy Previous outbreaks Just last month health chiefs issued a warning to families planning to visit farms this spring, as a rise in temperatures could also see an increase in "harmful" pathogens. Petting zoos in particular can expose visitors to gastrointestinal infections, they said. Advertisement Last year the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits. In May 2024, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply. Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'. Advertisement And just one month earlier, dozens of parents and children fell seriously ill, and some were hospitalised, after visiting Gannow Farm in Worcestershire.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Number of Brits ‘horrendously ill' with parasite after visiting petting farm rises to 81, as 16 in hospital
THE number of people who have fallen sick with an animal-borne bug after visiting a petting farm in Wales has risen to 81, officials have confirmed. Sixteen people have been rushed to hospital after visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan - at least one of these is a four-year-old boy. 6 6 All tested positive for cryptosporidium, also called 'crypto' - a highly contagious parasite that causes diarrhoea and spreads easily between humans and animals. Among the youngest who became ill was little Alba Dobbinson. The eight-year-old was hit with nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mum, Vici, on April 17. Photos show the little girl cuddling the animals and close contact with infected livestock is one of the main ways the bug spreads. Vici said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it. 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." She added: "She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' Meanwhile, Gareth Carpenter said he had never seen his son Michael so unwell after he was hospitalised, suspected of catching the parasite at the farm. "He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before," he told WalesOnline. "We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps," he added. The farm voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions on April 29 as health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. 'We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission," Beverley Griggs, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said. All cases have been linked to visits to the farm between March and April 2025. Anyone who took part in the lamb or calf feeding sessions during that time is being urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 Wales and inform them of the visit - not only those with symptoms. The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection according to the NHS include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea Vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Dehydration 6 6 6 Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after infection and can last for around two weeks once they appear. Sometimes the illness may seem to improve as symptoms ease, but they can return before full recovery. "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems," Beverley said. 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person." Due to the bug's highly infectious nature people with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are told to stay off work or school until they have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Touching infected poo and then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth is a common way of catching cryptosporidios. This is because the bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. "Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread," Beverley added. 6 Previous outbreaks Just last month health chiefs issued a warning to families planning to visit farms this spring, as a rise in temperatures could also see an increase in "harmful" pathogens. Petting zoos in particular can expose visitors to gastrointestinal infections, they said. Last year the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits. In May 2024, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply. Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'.
Metro
09-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
More than 70 people now infected with parasite after visiting petting zoo
The number of people sick with livestock parasites after visiting a petting zoo in Wales is now at least 74. Eight-year-old Alba Dobbinson is among the dozens of people infected with cryptosporidium linked to calf and lamb feeding sessions at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. Officials said 16 of them were ill enough to require treatment in hospital for at least one night. The number is expected to rise over the coming days because the parasite typically incubates for some time before infecting its host. Cryptosporidium symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea, mild fever, and loss of appetite and weight loss. Public Health Wales said the farm shop had ended calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions and were 'cooperating with our investigations'. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness. It is often linked to contact with animals, particularly young farm animals such as calves and lambs. It is also found in lakes, streams and rivers – and sometimes in swimming pools. You can catch it directly by touching faeces and not washing your hands. Occasionally you can be infected by eating and drinking contaminated food, particularly unpasteurised milk, under cook meat and offal. The most common symptoms are watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains, and fever which may only last a couple of days, but which can continue for up to three or four weeks. Symptoms typically begin between two and 10 days after contact with the parasite and can last for up to two weeks. Young children and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the infection. It can become very serious if anyone with a weakened immune system becomes infected. There is no specific treatment, and those with a healthy immune system will recover within one month. More Trending But drinking plenty of water and using painkillers can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Doctors may even recommend re-hydration solutions. Su Mably, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: 'We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public. 'We would advise anyone who has visited the farm, particularly those who attended feeding or petting sessions, and who is now experiencing symptoms to contact their GP.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Urgent recall for bread, cookies and croutons in US over 'life-threatening' risk MORE: 'People will die before they get compensation from the Infected Blood Scandal' MORE: Leeds United fan, 23, in coma after falling from tree during club's promotion parade
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
76 people ‘horrendously ill' and 16 in hospital with parasite infection after ‘petting session' at kids' farm
THE number of people who have fallen ill with a parasitic infection after visiting a petting farm in Wales has risen to 78, health officials have confirmed. Sixteen of those affected have been taken to hospital following visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, in the Vale of Glamorgan. 5 5 All tested positive for cryptosporidium - a highly contagious parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, an infection that can affect both humans and farm animals. One of those who fell sick with little Alba Dobbinson. The eight-year-old suffered nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mother, Vici, on April 17. Mum Vici said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it. 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." She added: "She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' Meanwhile, Gareth Carpenter said he'd never seen his son Michael so poorly after he was suspected to have caught the parasite at the farm. "He's had chicken pox, he's had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I've never, ever seen him that ill before," he told WalesOnline. "We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps," he added. The farm has since closed its doors to the public voluntarily, while health authorities investigate the outbreak. "Due to the incubation period of the infection, it is expected that this number may continue to increase in the coming week," a Public Health Wales (PHW) spokesperson warned. The update on confirmed cases comes after an outbreak control team held its third meeting on Thursday, 8 May. Su Mably, consultant in health protection for PHW, said: "Although cryptosporidium infection is usually mild and clears up on its own, it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weakened immune systems." The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection according to the NHS include: Watery diarrhoea Stomach pains or cramps Nausea Vomiting Mild fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Dehydration Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after infection and can last for around two weeks once they appear 5 5 Sometimes the illness may seem to improve as symptoms ease, but they can return before full recovery. Su added: "If you visited the farm and feel unwell, please contact your GP or call NHS 111. "It is possible for this infection to be passed on from one person to another." Due to the bug's highly infectious nature people with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are told to stay off work or school until they have been free from these symptoms for at least 48 hours. Touching infected poo and then putting your unwashed hands near your mouth is a common way of catching cryptosporidios. This is because the bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. "It is important to protect yourself by washing your hands well, particularly before preparing food," Su added. How can I protect myself against cryptosporidiosis? The cryptosporidium parasite can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals, according to UK Health Security Agency. It may contaminate lakes, streams and rivers, swimming pools, untreated or poorly treated water and food - like raw milk and fresh produce - as well as objects such as farm gates and outdoor boots and clothing. "Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been linked to drinking or swimming in contaminated water and contact with infected lambs and calves during visits to open farms," UKHSA said. You can get cryptosporidiosis from another person or animal by touching faeces, for example when changing a nappy or petting a lamb and putting your hands near or in your mouth without washing them thoroughly. You can also get the bug from swimming in or drinking contaminated water. Occasionally, you can be infected by eating contaminated food, including unwashed or unpeeled vegetables or salads or drinking contaminated raw milk. Children aged one to five are those most commonly infected with the bug and people with weak immune systems are likely to be more seriously affected. Sufferers will usually be struck down with mild to severe watery diarrhoea. Just last month health chiefs issued a warning to families planning to visit farms this spring, as a rise in temperatures could also see an increase in "harmful" pathogens. Petting zoos in particular can expose visitors to gastrointestinal infections, they said. Last year the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about the risk of cryptosporidium infection from farm visits. In May 2024, more than 100 people were also infected by cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon. The outbreak was believed to be linked to water contaminated with infected faeces making its way into the drinking supply. Whole streets in the town were infected, with victims forced to endure days of diarrhoea and agonising stomach cramps, with one sufferer even comparing them to 'childbirth'. And just one month earlier, dozens of parents and children fell seriously ill, and some were hospitalised, after visiting Gannow Farm in Worcestershire.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Dozens fall ill after petting session at farm
Dozens of people fell ill after an Easter holiday petting session at a farm in south Wales. At least 28 people have been diagnosed with a parasitical infection after visiting a farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, to feed lambs and calves. The outbreak of the Cryptosporidium infection among visitors to the Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm is now being investigated by health authorities. Alba Dobbinson, eight, suffered nausea and diarrhoea after feeding lambs at the farm with her mother, Vici, on April 17. Mrs Dobbinson said: 'We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it.' She added: 'It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month. She can't even go to school, spend time with her friends or enjoy the weather.' The farm has suspended the petting and feeding sessions and promised refunds in a since-deleted social media post. In the post, it said the sessions had been cancelled because of 'unforeseen circumstances'. It is now being investigated by Public Health Wales (PHW), the Cardiff and Vale NHS health board, and Vale of Glamorgan council. Su Mably, the PHW consultant in health protection, said: 'We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public. 'We would advise anyone who has visited the farm, particularly those who attended feeding or petting sessions, and who is now experiencing symptoms, to contact their GP.' PHW also urged the public to wash their hands after touching animals at a farm. Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, Vale of Glamorgan council's cabinet member for community engagement, equalities and regulatory services, said the council was 'working with the business to prevent any further cases of ill health'. Cryptosporidium is an infection from parasites that live in the faeces of infected animals and can cause illness in humans. The main symptoms of a Cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after exposure and can last for up to two weeks.
