Confirmed cryptosporidium cases rise in Devon

The latest number of confirmed cryptosporidium cases in the 'Brixham area' has risen to 57 with the figure expected to increase further over the coming days as more samples are processed. The last data provided by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was issued on Friday, May 17, when it was announced numbers had risen to 46 with more than a further 100 having reported similar symptoms.

The update before then was issued on Wednesday, May 15, when it confirmed 22 cases of the parasite infection. The UKHSA has assured it is also monitoring for any person-to-person spread that may have occurred.

It was on that day that South West Water (SWW) confirmed it had detected 'small traces' of the organism in Alston and the Hillhead area of the coastal town - less than 24 hours after stating it was safe to drink the water after all its water supply tests had come back clear.

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It can take between two to 10 days for people to become unwell after being exposed. Cases currently being confirmed are from those who became unwell before the issue was identified and measures were put in place by South West Water.

Sarah Bird, consultant in health protection for UKHSA South West said: “We want to reassure the public that we are continuing to work closely with Torbay Council, South West Water, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to control this outbreak. South West Water have identified the likely source of the outbreak and are working hard to resolve the issue.

"The data shows the outbreak is associated with people who live in, or have visited the boil water notice area of Brixham and the nearby areas. A boil water notice remains in place for a number of residents, and South West Water have a postcode checker on their website for people to check if they are affected - https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/household/help-support/in-your-area/service-updates.

“As with any other sickness bug, it is really important to follow good infection prevention measures such as handwashing with hot soapy water, as alcohol hand gel is not enough to kill cryptosporidium. This will prevent further cases spreading from person to person through the community.

“Those with symptoms should stay off nursery, school and work for 48 hours since the last episode of illness, and anyone with diarrhoea should not go swimming for 14 days after their last episode of illness. This is really important to stop further spread of the illness from person to person.”

Yesterday, May 20, SWW confirmed the latest number of properties affected was around 2,500 and includes upper parts of Brixham and Kingswear. The 'probable' cause of the outbreak is a damaged air valve on private land.

Hillhead reservoir has been drained and cleaned. The aim is to refill the reservoir so normal drinking water supply can resume as soon as possible.

Today, SWW says it is continuing to flush the Brixham and surrounding area supply system. It has issued a diagram to show how and where networks have been affected.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Torbay Council’s director of Public Health, added: “We continue to monitor the situation daily along with UKHSA, South West Water, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to ensure that the public health measures continue to be effective in preventing further cases of cryptosporidium.

“We encourage residents to follow good hygiene practices to prevent onward spread of infection. Along with effective public health measures, including the boil water notice for areas where it still applies, we are confident that the right steps are being taken to ensure our residents and visitors are no longer at risk.

“For those areas still subject to the boil water notice, we continue to support local businesses to operate safely. It is important to emphasise that the outbreak has only affected a small area of Torbay and we remain open for business.”

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 or human contact. Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever.

Symptoms usually last for about two weeks but can be longer, especially in people with weak immune systems. Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in young children aged between one and five years old.

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