Parasite in tap water lays low more than 100
A WATER parasite outbreak in a town has now caused 46 cases of disease, with more expected.
At least 100 others are thought to have been affected after reporting telltale symptoms.
Around 16,000 households and businesses in Brixham, Devon, have been told not to drink tap water without boiling it first.
The UK Health Security Agency yesterday said 46 cases of cryptosporidiosis had now been confirmed in the fishing town, up from 22 on Thursday. The illness causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Dr Bayad Nozad, from UKHSA, said: “Please do not contact medical services to report cases unless you need urgent clinical care. If your symptoms last longer than seven days, or if you experience more severe symptoms, please contact your doctor.
“Those with symptoms should stay off school and work for 48 hours since the last episode of illness.”
South West Water issued a “boil water notice” after tests showed “small traces” of a parasite. Customer officer Laura Flowerdew said a damaged air pipe in a field containing cattle was a potential source. Brixham residents have complained that there has been little contact from the company. Duncan Kenny, co-owner of The Cove conservation shop, said: “I haven’t had any contact with them. “We’ve had one leaflet through the door.” Asked if local businesses should be compensated for losses, he said: “Absolutely, yeah. If any business, of any kind, at any time, is affected by a causation that could have been prevented, that causation is responsible.”
Sally Dart, who runs shop Flotsam 50, described South West Water as “appalling”. She added: “No one was checking the quality of the water and we’ve all got sick and it’s stupid.” Bottled water stations have now been set up in the area.