Just weeks after the UKHSA put out a warning about the cryptosporidium parasite there’s now been an outbreak in Wales, and people’s trip to a petting farm could see them bed-ridden for weeks
The sun is out and people across the UK are squeezing in mini trips and fun experiences with their loved ones. Worse than forgetting to pack the sun cream, some families are going through an unimaginable time with the outbreak of a scary virus – and the symptoms don’t sound fun at all.
Public Health Wales is on the case, investigating the suspected outbreak of a vicious disease called cryptosporidium that seemed to break out at one particular family-friendly event. At least 28 people have been hit by the illness, which stemmed from a fun day out petting and feeding calves and lambs at a farm.
Su Mably, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, has advised anyone who attended the event and is now experiencing symptoms to contact their GP. “We are working closely with partners to investigate these cases and to understand if there is a wider risk to the public,” the expert said.
The event was held at Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, and the idyllic venue has now put an end to its petting and feeding experiences due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
While this might help stop other people catching crypto, some people who enjoyed the sweet spring activity are still ill – so what are the symptoms of the disease, and how do you catch it?
Cryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal infection that comes from parasites living in the faeces of infected animals, affecting mainly farm animals but also easily jumping over to humans. While faeces is the main vector it can also be caught by spending time in bodies of water, or even or drinking from contaminated sources.
The main symptoms are clear and unpleasant, including diarrhoea, stomach pains or cramps, and nausea or vomiting alongside a fever. Unfortunately, while some people might only suffer for a couple of days others can experience the symptoms for weeks.
It also sometimes has no clear end, with symptoms often clearing up and making them think they’ve shaken it off before it comes back in full force a couple of days later.
Your best bet of avoiding it is to take the usual precautions, such as frequent and thorough hand washing, rinsing fruit and veg, and not drinking untreated water. This is highly recommended – there’s no specific treatment for crypto, so if you catch it you just have to wait it out.
Hand gels or wipes are not a substitute for washing your hands after visiting a farm due to the types of germs you might be exposed to, so washing is key. If you do have crypto, it’s also essential that you don’t return to school or work until at least 48 hours after symptoms have ended so you don’t pass it on to others.
While crypto is now having its moment in Cowbridge, an outbreak of the virus is by no means rare – especially during spring and summer when petting adorable baby farm animals and taking dips in the water might seem all too appealing.
There was a huge outbreak in Devon last summer, with South West Water handing out bottles of the stuff as residents in Torbay were told to avoid tap water.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) even put out an urgent public warning about crypto in February, sharing information about the parasite as kids headed home for half term. In the post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UKHSA warned that crypto was “sometimes dangerous” and urged people to stay wary as they flocked to fun locations.