Latest news with #Cryptosporidiosis
ITV News
14-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
The sunny seaside town which fell victim to infected drinking water and misinformation
Watch Sam Blackledge's report on the one year anniversary of Brixham's infected water crisis The town of Brixham in South Devon is peaceful, picturesque and welcoming. But for six sun-drenched weeks in the summer of 2024, there was only one subject on everybody's minds - water. When the news broke on 13 May about a potential public health scare, it wasn't initially clear what exactly the town was dealing with. There were reports of people falling ill with mysterious symptoms; members of the public were advised to boil their tap water before drinking it. An information vacuum was flooded with rumours, speculation and thousands of social media posts. Deepening crisis The more time went on, the more the crisis deepened. Maps of the region were painstakingly analysed; roads were closed and car parks requisitioned; bottled water became a precious commodity. Some people even reported becoming ill with kidney stones due to avoiding water altogether. My main memory of that period is of endlessly knocking on doors in the Hillhead area of the town - close to the reservoir at the centre of the contamination - and chatting to residents about the most intimate details of their family's health. Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains and stool samples are not usually subjects we are terribly comfortable discussing. But it felt essential for people to share their stories and piece together what on earth was going on. Calls for resignation Of the dozens of people we interviewed last summer, a handful stick in my mind. In mid-June I visited Karen Taylor who was caring for her terminally ill 93-year-old mother, Audrey. Karen told me several of her neighbours had been hospitalised and she feared for her mum's health if she were to become ill. "She wouldn't stand a chance," Karen said. I was also struck by a pair of tenacious next-door neighbours in Hillhead, Tanya Matthews and Michaela Lewis. Tanya became the unofficial spokesman for her community, painstakingly educating herself on the intricate details of Cryptosporidiosis, poring over charts and graphs on the South West Water website. Michaela, too, used her anger and frustration to push for improvements. Both women had young families who were showing symptoms of the illness, and they told me they would not rest until the company had issued a proper apology and full compensation. Michaela was one of the first to publicly call for the chief executive, Susan Davey, to resign over her handling of the crisis. 'We still get people asking if the water is alright' Today, exactly one year on from the outbreak, the town is looking as glorious as ever. But the effects of last summer are still being felt. Herve Regent runs the Beacon House bed and breakfast. Speaking to me on his penthouse balcony, high up above the town's famous harbour, he makes it clear he is not a fan of reporters. "It's been difficult," he said. "The main problem is trying to put Brixham back on the map. "There were some irresponsible journalists. We had 3,000 negative comments on social media, in the newspaper, on TV and radio, but not just in the UK, internationally as well. "For example, I had someone from Germany call me last year to cancel a room. They said 'We're cancelling because we heard we cannot take a shower in your B&B.' "That's quite upsetting, especially knowing that the actual contaminated water was coming from Hillhead Reservoir, while we are supplied by the Aston reservoir, which is not contaminated at all." Joe Lowe, who runs the Brookside Guest House, says the town is gradually getting back to normal. "It's not back to where it was before, but we are seeing a recovery. "We're still getting guests coming this year who say 'Is the water alright?' We've probably got the best water in the South West at the moment because of everything they've done." 'I still don't trust the tap water' Despite assurances from South West Water that everything is fine, residents are still divided on whether or not they trust the water coming out of their taps. Maureen Blake told us: "I still buy bottled water. I just won't take the risk." Diane Plowman said: "I don't trust the tap water at all, I will never use it. I use it in the kettle, to boil, but I will never drink it." But Sue Swanston said: "I find it fine. My husband and I both drink tap water, we haven't got any worries about it. We've got faith in what they've done and what they've put in place." Cohort study There were, in total, 126 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidiosis in Brixham last year. But the UK Health Security Agency is carrying out a cohort study to determine the true number of cases, which could be considerably higher. The results will be published once the Drinking Water Inspectorate has completed its own investigation. A South West Water spokesman told ITV News West Country: "We are sorry for what happened in Brixham last year – while we can't undo what happened, we have made already made improvements to make sure it cannot happen here again. "Our focus is firmly on the future for customers and communities and we are working to support local tourism in the area.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 8 signs of highly-contagious parasite infection that struck 28 after petting lambs in UK farm
AT least 28 people who attended a farm have been struck with violent vomiting and diarrhoea after visiting. Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Wales, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves for family visits, is being investigated for a potential outbreak of a bug called cryptosporidium. 2 All the signs and symptoms of cryptosporidiosis 2 The cryptosporidium parasite lives in the intestines of infected people and animals Credit: Getty Cryptosporidium is a highly contagious parasite that causes the infection cryptosporidiosis, which can affect both people and farm animals. Though anyone can get the bug, it tends to infect children younger than five. 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. 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. For people with weak immune systems, like those with cancer or untreated HIV, it can be life-threatening. 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. How diarrhoea illness Cryptosporidium or Cryptosporidiosis is caused and how it's sometimes found in swimming pools In a since-deleted Facebook post, the farm team said they had closed the feeding experiences "due to unforeseen circumstances". They also apologised to people who had booked, adding a full refund could be obtained. 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. Public Health Wales (PHW) said the shop had voluntarily stopped the feeding and petting sessions and was cooperating with the investigation. It is investigating along with Cardiff and Vale health board and Vale of Glamorgan council. Su Mably, 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." 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. Last year the 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.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 8 signs of highly-contagious parasite infection that struck 28 after petting lambs in UK farm
Isabel Shaw, Health reporter Published: Invalid Date, AT least 28 people who attended a farm have been struck with violent vomiting and diarrhoea after visiting. Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Wales, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves for family visits, is being investigated for a potential outbreak of a bug called cryptosporidium. 2 2 Cryptosporidium is a highly contagious parasite that causes the infection cryptosporidiosis, which can affect both people and farm animals. Though anyone can get the bug, it tends to infect children younger than five. 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. 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. For people with weak immune systems, like those with cancer or untreated HIV, it can be life-threatening. 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. How diarrhoea illness Cryptosporidium or Cryptosporidiosis is caused and how it's sometimes found in swimming pools In a since-deleted Facebook post, the farm team said they had closed the feeding experiences "due to unforeseen circumstances". They also apologised to people who had booked, adding a full refund could be obtained. 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. Public Health Wales (PHW) said the shop had voluntarily stopped the feeding and petting sessions and was cooperating with the investigation. It is investigating along with Cardiff and Vale health board and Vale of Glamorgan council. Su Mably, 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." 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. Last year the 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'.
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Cryptosporidium outbreak sees 28 people hospitalised in Wales and this is how the parasite spreads
Cryptosporidium outbreak sees 28 people hospitalised in Wales and this is how the parasite spreads At least 28 people have been infected by a gastrointestinal illness after visiting a Welsh farm - here is everything we know about the infectious parasite. Marlborough Grange Farm, where Cowbridge Farm Shop is located (Image: Marlborough Grange Farm ) At least 28 people have been infected by a gastrointestinal illness after visiting a popular attraction in Wales. Public Health Wales is investigating a suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium in people who attended calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions at Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cowbridge. Cryptosporidium is an infection from parasites that live in the faeces of infected animals and can cause illness in humans. The farm posted a short statement announcing the closure of its petting and feeding experiences due to 'unforeseen circumstances' but the post has since been removed from its Facebook page. Public Health Wales has confirmed that the farm has now voluntarily stopped these activities and is fully cooperating with the investigation. Read more: 28 people fall ill after feeding animals at Welsh attraction What is Cryptosporidium? Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals. The parasite has a protective outer shell called an oocyst, which allows it to survive for extended periods outside a host, even in harsh environmental conditions. These oocysts are typically found in contaminated water sources, which is the primary way humans get infected. Article continues below Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal illness caused by a Cryptosporidium infection. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can last for several weeks. Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis Common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea (most common) Stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. The illness typically begins between two to days after exposure to the parasite and can last anywhere from one to two weeks in healthy individuals. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cryptosporidiosis can be more severe and even life-threatening, as their immune systems are unable to control the infection effectively. How did all 28 people catch it? The most common way people become infected with Cryptosporidium is by drinking contaminated water. The bacteria is highly resistant to chlorine disinfection, so can survive in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and even municipal water supplies. Food can also spread the parasite, particularly through improper handling or sanitation, though this is less common than it being spread through water. Most likely in this case is it being spread through direct contact with infected individuals or animals. Pets, particularly cattle, can carry Cryptosporidium, and direct contact with faeces or contaminated surfaces can transmit the parasite. Person-to-person contact can also spread the parasite, especially in day-care centres or crowded settings. Transmission can occur when an infected person does not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Cryptosporidiosis is typically diagnosed by doctors testing stool samples using various diagnostic methods such as microscopic examination, antigen testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment for Cryptosporidium, and so doctors recommend staying hydrated, taking opioid drugs such as paracetamol to ease any stomach pain, as well as anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide to help reduce symptoms. Antimicrobial drugs can be used in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients, though they are not guaranteed to be effective. The best way to prevent Cryptosporidium infection is to avoid exposure to contaminated water and food. Article continues below Cryptosporidiosis in Animals Cryptosporidium can infect a wide range of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats. These animals may show signs of diarrhoea, but some can be asymptomatic carriers, shedding the parasite into the environment. Farm animals, in particular, can be a major source of contamination for both humans and other animals.
