Mary Wilson
Well-known member
May 24, 2023
By News Desk
Fifty cases of Cryptosporidium have been traced to a farm on an island off the south coast of England.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s South East branch has tried to contact people who visited Hazelgrove Farm from April to the start of May on the Isle of Wight.
People are thought to have become sick after coming into contact with animals. The farm halted animal petting activity in early May.
No ongoing risk
Dr. Anand Fernandes, the health protection consultant for UKHSA South East, said there is no ongoing risk to the public associated with the farm.
“We have worked closely with the 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. The farm took quick action and voluntarily stopped the animal petting activity on May 1. Although symptoms of cryptosporidiosis can last for over two weeks in some people, we do not expect to see new cases directly attributed to the farm beyond May 10,” he said. ...
“Cryptosporidium, which is central to this incident, is a relatively common bug that 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.”
People were advised to stay out of school and work for 48 hours and away from swimming pools for 14 days after the last episode of illness. ...
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/05/50-sick-in-cryptosporidium-outbreak-linked-to-farm/
By News Desk
Fifty cases of Cryptosporidium have been traced to a farm on an island off the south coast of England.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s South East branch has tried to contact people who visited Hazelgrove Farm from April to the start of May on the Isle of Wight.
People are thought to have become sick after coming into contact with animals. The farm halted animal petting activity in early May.
No ongoing risk
Dr. Anand Fernandes, the health protection consultant for UKHSA South East, said there is no ongoing risk to the public associated with the farm.
“We have worked closely with the 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. The farm took quick action and voluntarily stopped the animal petting activity on May 1. Although symptoms of cryptosporidiosis can last for over two weeks in some people, we do not expect to see new cases directly attributed to the farm beyond May 10,” he said. ...
“Cryptosporidium, which is central to this incident, is a relatively common bug that 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.”
People were advised to stay out of school and work for 48 hours and away from swimming pools for 14 days after the last episode of illness. ...
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/05/50-sick-in-cryptosporidium-outbreak-linked-to-farm/