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People in and around the Brixham area are being advised by South West Water not to drink tap water without boiling it first after low levels of cryptosporidium were found in the area’s water supply.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Torbay’s Director of Public Health, has stated they’re working with South West Water, the UK Health Security Agency, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to investigate 22 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium.
More information is available on the Torbay website.
The advice from the water company applies to water used for drinking, cooking, preparing food or brushing teeth. It covers the following areas:
- Brixham
- Broadsands
- Churston
- Galmpton
- Hookhills
- Kingswear
- White Rock
South West Water is hand delivering notices to all affected properties. It has organised bottled water collection points at Broadsands Car Park TQ4 6HX and Freshwater Quarry Car Park TQ5 8BA, which are open until 9pm tonight.
They are also delivering bottled water to vulnerable customers. You can register with South West Water to receive a priority service from them. Visit their website for details.
Further information from South West Water is available on their website.
What to do if you think you have symptoms
Do not contact medical services to report cases unless you need clinical care. For most people, cryptosporidium symptoms can be managed at home without needing medical advice. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, or if you experience any more severe symptoms such as blood in your poo, please contact your doctor who may recommend taking a stool (poo) sample for testing.
You can also find hygiene advice and guidance about Cryptosporidium on the UKHSA website.
Do you need to stay off work?
Yes, you should not return to work or school or nursery until you have been free from diarrhoea and/or vomiting for 48 hours. While you are ill and have symptoms you are infectious. It is spread through animal-to-human or human-to-human contact.
You should tell your employer you have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting illness, especially if you work with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the young, those in poor health, or if you handle food.
If your symptoms become severe or last longer than 7 days, you should contact NHS 111 or your GP.
Anyone suffering with a diarrhoeal illness should not swim for two weeks after their symptoms have stopped and, as always, it is important to shower immediately before entering and after leaving the swimming pool.
Find out more about Cryptosporidium
Get advice about diarrhoea and vomiting
Please see the boil notice from South West Water which provides further guidance and contact for further enquiries.
What is cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite (a tiny organism) that causes an illness or disease called cryptosporidiosis affecting people and some animals, particularly farm animals.
Cryptosporidium parasites can be found in soil, water, food or on any surface that has been contaminated with human or animal faeces. It can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals, and may contaminate lakes, streams and rivers, swimming pools, untreated or poorly treated water, food, especially raw milk and fresh produce, and objects such as farm gates and outdoor boots and clothing.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are relatively mild but can be prolonged and include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever which could last for up to three weeks. However, people with weak immune systems can be affected for longer periods. There is no specific treatment for the illness which is usually self-limiting. It is important that anyone with the illness keeps hydrated.
How do you treat cryptosporidiosis?
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body. Your doctor may recommend a re-hydration solution, available from your pharmacist. If you feel sick, try taking small sips of fluid, frequently. Avoid alcohol.
A simple painkiller can help with abdominal cramps. Talk to your GP or pharmacist who can advise you on the most appropriate painkiller for you.