Cryptosporidium outbreak in Wales: 28 cases

In Wales, health authorities are looking into a suspected cryptosporidium outbreak after over 20 people fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms following a visit to a farm in Cowbridge. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that lives in animal intestines and feces. When it infects humans, it can cause a gastrointestinal illness called cryptosporidiosis. Its symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. They range from mild to severe and can last for several weeks. In immunocompromised individuals, the disease can even be life-threatening, as their immune systems cannot fight the infection effectively. The most common way to get cryptosporidium is by drinking contaminated food and water. The parasite is surrounded by a highly resistant protective shell and can survive for a long time out of its animal host, contaminating even swimming pools treated with chlorine.
However, another common way to get cryptosporidium is through direct contact with infected people or animals. The persons who fell ill at Cowbridge petted and fed calves and lambs at the farm, probably contracting the disease during such occasions. Public Health Wales has confirmed that the farm has stopped visitors from touching animals and is fully cooperating with the investigation. There is no treatment for cryptosporidium, with doctors recommending only to stay hydrated and take painkillers or anti-diarrhea medications to reduce symptoms.