At least 46 people were taken ill in the UK after a cryptosporidium outbreak, a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea, was reported around the Brixham area of Devon, a scenic fishing village in southwestern England.
Authorities said that the situation has been brought under control and water supplier in the area, South West Water, said that it lifted its boil notice for most of the 17,000 homes and businesses after it was issued earlier this week after cryptosporidium was found in the water.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued an urgent warning after a sharp rise in cases of norovirus. The virus is also known as the “winter vomiting bug” and is a highly contagious disease.
Cryptosporidium is a waterborne parasite that can cause violent diarrhoea and vomiting for weeks and is contagious. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is probing 46 cases of these infections in South Devon, and warned that hundreds more could fall ill.
The water company said it consulted with public health officials before lifting the boil warning for all but about 2,500 customers after rigorous testing showed the water was safe for most of the area.
“This situation has caused an immense amount of disruption, distress and anxiety. We are truly sorry this has happened. The public rightly expect a safe, clean and reliable source of drinking water and on this occasion we have fallen significantly short of expectations,” water company spokesperson Laura Flowerdew said.
A primary school was forced to close Thursday because it didn’t have clean drinking water. The water company said it provided 386,000 water bottles to its customers. The outbreak was announced on Wednesday.
For over a year, water companies have faced backlash for frequent sewage overflows into rivers and oceans. These incidents have not only emitted unpleasant odours but have also sickened swimmers, polluted fishing streams, and sparked public outrage, demanding that these companies change their practices.
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