Latest news with #Vici
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tarr family's initiative saves lives at Iowa Park Lake
IOWA PARK (KFDX/KJTL) — Water safety is top of mind as the summer season kicks off, and in Iowa Park, it's become a personal mission. The story originated from tragedy, but it has evolved into a legacy of protection. Each year, the Tarr family stocks life jackets at Lake Iowa Park, and they're asking for your help to restock ahead of the summer. The drive began eight years ago after Vici Tarr's close friend lost a child to drowning at the lake. That young boy gave his life jacket to his sister and ended up drowning. Vici and her husband, Brian, then created the initiative with a simple motto: 'Take one if you need it, leave it if you can.' Vici and Brian have both passed away, but their son Aaron Schaffer continues the tradition. 'It was near and dear to her heart. And she's been doing it every year for about eight years. It started out with a bunch of bikers that got together and made the crosses,' Schaffer said. 'Then they came out here one Sunday afternoon, had a big party, cooked out and hung the life jackets. It's been going on like that ever since.' From grief grew grace, and from grace grew an effort to keep families afloat, literally and figuratively. The family will be hosting their annual 'Vici and Brian Tarr Life Jacket Drive' on June 21 at 11 a.m. at Lake Iowa Park. There will be food and fun, and they are asking people to bring life jackets to be hung on the crosses lined along the lake. For more information, email at aarons7250@ or call (940) 297-7520 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My daughter, 8, had diarrhoea after parasite outbreak at UK tourist attraction'
Public health officials are examining cases of cryptosporidium linked to contact with animals at a Welsh farm's calf and lamb feeding sessions - with 16 people hospitalised so far An eight-year-old girl was among 74 people who fell ill after an outbreak linked to an animal "petting session" at a farm park. Public health officials are investigating cases of cryptosporidium, believed to be contracted during calf and lamb feeding sessions at the Welsh farm. The affected individuals had visited Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, before subsequently falling ill. Public Health Wales (PHW) has reported that so far, 16 people have been hospitalised for at least one night, with this number expected to rise due to the infection's incubation period. Alba Dobbinson, eight, is the youngest among the confirmed cases who fell ill with an intestinal parasite following a visit to the family-friendly farm. Her mother, Vici Dobbinson, revealed that Alba experienced vomiting and diarrhoea after their visit to feed the lambs. Vici stated: "It's not like a 48-hour bug, it can potentially go on for up to a month." The primary symptoms of a cryptosporidium infection include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, nausea or vomiting, mild fever, and loss of appetite and weight loss. Alba, along with her parents, visited the farm shop on April 17 to feed the lambs. However, six days later, she fell ill. "We were stunned because we had only been around other families and couldn't pinpoint where Alba had caught it," Vici said. She added, "Then I saw on Facebook that the farm shop was changing the process and you were no longer allowed to go in with the lambs. It's annoying. I appreciate it comes with risks but if Visitors to a local farm were left in the dark about potential cryptosporidium cases linked to the establishment, leading to frustration among those who would have refrained from attending had they been informed. "To knowingly not be told, when they knew there were cases, is just frustrating." Public Health Wales has confirmed that Cowbridge Farm Shop has voluntarily suspended its activities and is collaborating fully with ongoing investigations. The farm relayed through a Facebook statement that the animal feeding sessions were cancelled "due to unforeseen circumstances", without detailing the health concerns. PHW consultant in health protection, Su Mably, commented on its continued efforts alongside 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 cautioned, advising that affected visitors reach out to their GPs or NHS 111. Mably also warned of the possibility of person-to-person transmission, especially when caring for sick family members, underscoring the importance of meticulous handwashing, particularly before food preparation. Public Health Wales urged farm-goers to keep their distance from animals and to always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water as preventative measures and to seek medical advice if symptoms arise. The typical signs of cryptosporidium include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea, fever, and potentially appetite loss and weight loss, usually commencing within two to ten days after exposure. Symptoms can manifest as soon as 10 days post-exposure and may persist for a fortnight. Cryptosporidium is an infection caused by parasites residing in the faeces of infected animals, which can lead to sickness in humans. The symptoms often encompass diarrhoea, abdominal pain or cramps, and nausea or vomiting.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
76 people ‘horrendously ill' and 16 in hospital with parasite infection after ‘petting session' at kids' farm
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Alba fell ill after visiting the farm shop Credit: WNS 5 She tested postive for Cryptosporidium an infection from parasites that live in the faeces of infected animals and can cause illness in humans Credit: WNS 5 Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm is now being investigated by health authorities. Credit: WNS 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. How to ease diarrhoea "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 Alba (centre) with her mother and father Credit: WNS 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.
