81 people fell ill with Cryptosporidium after visiting a farm

A visit to a farm in South Wales has had unpleasant consequences for many visitors. According to the BBC, an increasing number of people are reporting an infection with the parasite Cryptosporidium. Currently, 81 individuals have been infected after participating in a calf and lamb feeding at the Cowbridge Farm Shop located at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge. Although the visits took place in March and April, the disease is only now becoming apparent. 

Just last week, seven new cases of Cryptosporidium were reported. Over the recent period, a total of 16 people had to be hospitalized for at least one night, including a four-year-old boy. The farm authorities have voluntarily suspended their feeding activities and access to the petting zoo since April 29. They are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations. The public health authority urgently advises the public to take hygiene measures when visiting farms. Beverley Griggs, a health protection consultant at Public Health Wales, stated, "We continue to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak and reduce the risk of further transmission."

 A Cryptosporidium infection often resolves without treatment but can be more severe for vulnerable individuals. For those who have visited the farm and are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nausea, it is recommended to contact their general practitioner. Cryptosporidium is often associated with contact with livestock. It can easily spread from person to person, posing an increased risk to young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. 

Symptoms typically appear two to ten days after exposure and can last up to two weeks. PHW warned that the infection can still spread even after symptoms subside, advising affected individuals not to swim for two weeks. Visitors to petting farms are encouraged to avoid close contact with animals, supervise children carefully, and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water after touching animals or entering the farm. Alcohol-based hand soaps do not provide sufficient protection. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid newborn lambs during lambing season due to the higher risk of infection. 

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous disease called cryptosporidiosis. It lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is excreted in feces. It can then spread to water bodies such as lakes, rivers, swimming pools, and food such as raw milk. The disease can affect anyone but is most common in children aged one to five years. Symptoms, which can last for about two weeks, include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. There is no specific treatment, but most affected individuals feel better within a month.