16 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium in Torbay
Health bosses have tonight warned 'further possible cases are under investigation and more cases are anticipated'
Last updated 15th May 2024
It's been confirmed 16 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium have been found in Torbay - with 70 further reported cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in Brixham.
The UK Health Security Agency South West says it is working with Torbay Council, South West Water, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to investigate.
They've issued a joint statement tonight to warn 'an investigation into the source is on-going and those who have reported symptoms are being contacted for further information as part of investigations into a source'.
Cryptosporidiosis is predominantly a waterborne disease and infections can be caused by drinking contaminated water or swallowing contaminated water in swimming pools or streams.
It can also be acquired by animal and human contact.
Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West said: “We would like to reassure the public that we are working closely with partners to investigate the possible source of infection and put control measures in place.
"Further possible cases are under investigation and more cases are anticipated.
“At this stage a source has not been identified, and more information will be shared as soon as it is available.
“For most people, cryptosporidium symptoms can be managed at home without needing medical advice.
“Symptoms include: watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever, which can last for 2-3 weeks. Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in young children aged between 1 and 5 years and most healthy people will recover fully.
“Anyone with a diarrhoeal illness should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and if they have severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, they should contact NHS 111 or their GP surgery.
“Please stay off school and work for 48hrs since the last episode of illness and away from swimming pools for 14 days after the last episode of illness.”
South West Water said: “We are working with UKHSA and other partners supporting their investigation into a number of cases of cryptosporidium in the Brixham area.
“As part of this, we have reviewed the operation of our water treatment works and the water quality data from those sites, which show us there have been no issues with the treated water.
“As agreed today with public health partners, we are carrying out further monitoring of the local supply area and we’ll continue working closely with them on their investigation.
“We are advising customers to continue to use their water as normal. We will keep this under review.”
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health at Torbay Council said: “We are working with partners to investigate the source of this outbreak, we advise
that people wash their hands thoroughly when handling food and after using the toilet, to help prevent the spread of further infection.
“Please follow the advice to stay away from nursery, school and work for 48 hours since the last episode of illness and do not swim for two weeks after being unwell.”
Advice for the public about cryptosporidium can be found here
Further NHS information and advice on diarrhoea and vomiting can be found here