‘Boil your water’ warning as parasite causes outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in South Devon
Residents in south Devon have been told to boil water before drinking it after dozens of suspected cases of sickness and diarrhoea caused by a microscopic parasite.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 22 cases of illness caused by cryptosporidium had been confirmed in Brixham.
Other reported cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in residents and visitors to the south coast town are also under investigation and more confirmed cases are expected, the UKHSA added.
South West Water issued a “boil water notice” for Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham after water tests showed “small traces” of the parasites.
Order is ‘a precaution’
The water company said data from tests on Tuesday had shown treated water leaving its treatment works was not contaminated, but further tests taken overnight found small traces of cryptosporidium, and it had issued the warning to boil water as a precaution.
Residents are being urged to boil water and let it cool before drinking it, preparing or cooking food or cleaning their teeth, though the company said water can continue to be used as normal for washing, bathing and flushing the toilet.
In a statement, South West Water said: “We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated.”
The company said bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas as soon as possible, while vulnerable customers would get deliveries of bottled water to their homes.
UKHSA South West said it was working with Torbay council, South West Water, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to investigate.
Illness most common in under-fives
Sarah Bird, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We advise people in the affected areas to follow the advice from South West Water and boil their drinking water and allow to cool before use.
“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.
“Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever, which can last for two to three weeks.”
Ms Bird warned that anyone can get the disease but it is most common in young children between one and five years old. Most healthy people will recover fully.
People who catch the disease should stay off school or work for 48 hours after they stop being ill, and away from swimming pools for 14 days, she said.
The disease can be picked up directly from the faeces of another person or animal, from swimming in or drinking contaminated water, or even by eating contaminated food such as unwashed vegetables.
Cryptosporidium in manure can contaminate fields, rivers and crops, officials warn.
