Of the 74 victims struck down with a parasitic infection after visiting a petting zoo in Cowbridge, Wales, 16 were admitted to hospital overnight – with health officials expecting the numbers to rise
More than 70 people have fallen sick after visiting a Welsh farm as the alarm is raised over a parasitic infection. An ongoing investigation into an outbreak of cryptosporidium – an infection from parasites that cause a respiratory and gastrointestinal illness – has identified 74 victims after an initial 47 were detected last week. Of the 74 victims, 16 have had to remain in hospital for at least one night, according to Public Health Wales (PHW). PHW warned the numbers could continue to rise over the coming week due to the infection’s longer incubation period.
The Welsh health agency first announced details of the investigation on April 30 when 28 individuals were struck down by a then-unknown gastrointestinal illness. The probe found the victims had visited a calf and lamb feeding and petting session at Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cowbridge.
The grisly infection comes from parasites that live in the excrement of infected animals and is trasnmissible to humans, who can suffer symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Gareth Carpenter, a father whose son Michael is suspected to have contracted the parasite at the farm said he had never seen his son as ill as he got after the infection.
He told WalesOnline: “He’s had chicken pox, he’s had flu, he has had viruses, he had many, many, many things as you can imagine as kids do when they mix in with other children, but I’ve never, ever seen him that ill before.”
He added: “He was horrific when he was there [hospital]. Really, really, worried me and me and my partner, Kate. Just curled up. We had to put him back in nappies, just literally leaking. He was just leaking from them. It was horrendous, stomach pains and cramps.”
Another parent, Lee Dobinson, said they “did everything we were supposed to” to avoid infections linked to animal feeding. The farm has voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities and is cooperating with the PHW investigation.
Symptoms of cryptosporidium can include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, a mild fever and weight loss.
These symptoms usually begin two to ten days after exposure and can last for up to two weeks.
Public Health experts are warning those who have come into contact with infected cases to take extra care to avoid passing the infection onto others.
Su Mably, Consultant in Health protection for Public Health Wales said: “We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak. Although cryptosporidium infection is usually mild and clears up on its own, it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
“If you visited the farm and feel unwell, please contact your GP or call NHS 111. It is possible for this infection to be passed on from one person to another, for example if someone is caring for a family member who is unwell. It is important to protect yourself by washing your hands well, particularly before preparing food.”
Public Health Wales are reminding those who have been unwell with the symptoms above following a visit to a farm should:
Be especially careful to avoid spreading the infection to others at home by practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and warm water and not sharing towels, bedding or other personal items until you are fully recovered. It is particularly important to wash your hands before preparing food. Avoid swimming for two weeks after their symptoms have ceased.