The Epinhood (TEH)

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS – UK: (ENGLAND) PETTING FARM

A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Thu 18 May 2023 16:04 GMT
Source: On the Wight [edited] https://onthewight.com/uk-health-security-agency-probes-cryptosporidium-outbreak-linked-to-isle-of-wight-farm/

Earlier this month [May 2023], 2 people had to receive hospital
treatment after contracting Cryptosporidium and falling unwell
following a visit to Hazelgrove Farm, Isle of Wight. The farm
immediately took action and stopped all forms of animal petting by the
public.

Specialists from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South East are now
contacting everyone who attended Hazelgrove Farm, Isle of Wight from
early April to the start of May [2023] to construct a detailed picture
of the outbreak of Cryptosporidium associated with a visit to the
farm and increase their understanding of how the infections spread.

To date around 50 cases of Cryptosporidium have been confirmed, and
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is now investigating.

Cryptosporidium parasites are naturally occurring and are commonly
found in soil, water, food or on any surface that has been
contaminated with human or animal faeces.

Dr Anand Fernandes, health protection consultant for UKHSA South East,
said, “We appreciate people have busy lives, so we are grateful to
people taking time to complete our survey. We have worked closely with
Isle of Wight Council, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the
farm to take all appropriate public health steps to help prevent
further infection. And we do not believe that there is an ongoing risk
to the public associated with the farm.

“The farm took quick action and voluntarily stopped the animal petting
activity on 1 May [2023]. Although symptoms of cryptosporidiosis can
last for over 2 weeks in some people, we do not expect to see new
cases directly attributed to the farm beyond 10 May.

“There are a number of common infections associated with visiting
farms and touching animals, including E. coli, Salmonella and
Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium, which is central to this
incident, is a relatively common bug which can be easily caught from
touching animals, so we recommend people wash their hands thoroughly
with soap and hot water and dry them after being near animals or in
areas frequented by animals and before preparing or eating food. This
is especially important if you have been ill with symptoms yourself,
as people with the infection can pass it on to others by touching
surfaces or food.”