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Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
81 people unwell and 16 hospitalised after parasitic infection outbreak at Welsh attraction
81 people unwell and 16 hospitalised after parasitic infection outbreak at Welsh attraction One father said he had 'never seen his son that ill before' Michael had to spend three days at a hospital after getting infected (Image: Gareth Carpenter ) There has been a further increase in the number of people who have fallen ill following a parasitic infection outbreak at a Welsh farm. Public Health Wales (PHW) have now confirmed that its ongoing investigation into a cryptosporidium outbreak at Cowbridge Farm Shop has seen 81 people who have fallen ill. It has also been revealed that the outbreak has resulted in 16 people having to stay in hospital for at least one night. PHW warned that these numbers may continue to rise in the coming week due to the incubation period of the infection. Of these 81 people is four-year-old Michael, who suffered from stomach cramps and watery diarrhoea after he went to the farm with his grandmother. Gareth Carpenter, 46, said his son Michael suddenly fell ill days after visiting on Friday, April 11. Tests later revealed he had been infected with cryptosporidium, which lives in the intestines of infected animals and humans. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here Gareth, said: '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." A spokesperson for Public Health Wales said: "We want to remind those visiting open farms to follow good hygiene practices. Article continues below "Seven new cases of cryptosporidium have been identified in association with visits to a Cowbridge farm in March and April 2025. Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan is under investigation (Image: Streetview ) "The fourth meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team was held today (14 May) to respond to an outbreak of Cryptosporidium linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. "The outbreak has resulted in 81 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidium and 16 people having to stay in hospital for at least one night. "The farm voluntarily stopped all public animal feeding activities on 29 April and has continued to support the investigation, we are grateful to the business for their ongoing cooperation. "Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs." Public health experts are warning those who have come into contact with infected cases to take extra care to avoid passing the infection onto others. Beverley Griggs, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales said: "We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and to reduce the risk of further transmission. "Cryptosporidium infection often clears up without treatment but, it can be more serious for young children and people with weakened immune systems. '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. 'It is also important to be aware that this infection can be passed from person to person, if you begin to experience these symptoms after contact with someone has experienced them after visiting the farm, you should also contact your GP or NHS 111 Wales. Good hand hygiene at home, especially before eating or preparing food, is essential in helping to stop the spread.' The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Article continues below Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after exposure and can last for up to two weeks. Anyone who has symptoms and has visited the Cowbridge Farm Shop – especially those who took part in the calf or lamb feeding sessions – are being urged to contact their GP or to call NHS 111 Wales and let them know that you have visited the site.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cowbridge: Number of people ill due to petting farm hits 74
The number of people who have contracted a parasitic infection after attending calf and lamb feeding sessions at a farm in the Vale of Glamorgan has risen to health officials are examining cases of cryptosporidium linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge during 47 cases were confirmed of the parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often linked to contact with animals, particularly young farm Health Wales (PHW) reported that 16 people have been hospitalised for at least one night so far, and the number is expected to rise in the coming week due to its incubation period. PHW said the farm shop had voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The update follows the third meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team connected to the farm shop, which was held on Thursday. PHW added the cryptosporidium infection causes symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and can last up to two weeks after exposure. To reduce risk, it said visitors to farms should avoid close contact with animals, practice thorough handwashing with soap and warm water, and seek medical advice if unwell, especially after participating in animal feeding activities. Public health experts are warning those who have come into contact with infected cases to take extra care to avoid passing the infection onto Mably, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales said they are continuing to work with Cardiff and Vale health board and Vale of Glamorgan council. "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," she 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, for example if someone is caring for a family member who is unwell. It is important to protect yourself by washing your hands well, particularly before preparing food."
South Wales Argus
02-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Rise in cryptosporidium cases linked to Cowbridge Farm
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs. People that have fallen sick with the illness likely contracted it whilst bottle feeding lambs at the farm. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, which can last for several days to weeks. Public Health Wales have now confirmed more cases have been liked to the farm with figures expected to rise. Public Health Wales said: 'A second meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team was held today (2 May) to assess the ongoing outbreak of Cryptosporidium linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. 'The number of confirmed cases has now reached 47. Due to the incubation period of the infection, we expect that this number may increase in the coming weeks. 'The Outbreak Control Team continues to work closely with the premises to investigate this outbreak. The farm has voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities and is cooperating with the investigation.' Su Mably, Consultant in Health protection for Public Health Wales said: 'We are continuing to investigate this outbreak with our partners. While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting, it can be more serious in young children or people with weakened immune systems. We urge anyone who visited the farm and is feeling unwell to contact their GP or NHS 111. Practising good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and others.' Cowbridge Farm Shop refused to comment at this time.
