Anthony Mangnall MP has reacted to the news that Cryptosporidium cases have been confirmed in Brixham, highlighting the need for South West Water to act fast to resolve the issue.
By the evening of Tuesday 14th May, 19 cases of the diarrhoeal illness had been confirmed as well as around 70 further reported cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West has been working with Torbay Council, South West Water, NHS Devon and the Environment Agency to investigate, including contacting those who have reported symptoms.
Despite initially stating that water quality data at water treatment works indicated there were no issues with the treated water so customers could continue to use their water as normal, South West Water later revealed they had found small traces of cryptosporidium in part of their network in Brixham.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite which can cause sickness and diarrhoea if consumed – drinking water can become contaminated due to various reasons, and South West Water is now fully investigating the cause.
Customers in Brixham, parts of Paignton and surrounding areas are now being advised to boil their water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Bottled is available for residents, and an automatic payment of £15 will be made to households by South West Water.
It is still not clear how the parasite entered the drinking water network.
Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, said:
“Since being made aware of the outbreak in Brixham on Tuesday 14th May, I have been in regular contact with South West Water, Torbay Council and the UK Health Security Agency.
“I am encouraging residents to follow the advice of these organisations, and am sharing updates on my website and social media channels when available.
“It is extremely frustrating that South West Water weren’t quicker to respond to reports of illness, and they initially denied that it was anything to do with their network.
“I will continue to make sure South West water cleans up their act, provides support for residents and sorts this out once and for all.”
Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West said:
“We would like to reassure the public that we are working closely with partners to investigate the possible source of infection and put control measures in place.
“For most people, cryptosporidium symptoms can be managed at home without needing medical advice.
“Symptoms include: watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever, which can last for 2-3 weeks. Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in young children aged between 1 and 5 years and most healthy people will recover fully.
“Anyone with a diarrhoeal illness should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and if they have severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, they should contact NHS 111 or their GP surgery.
“Please stay off school and work for 48hrs since the last episode of illness and away from swimming pools for 14 days after the last episode of illness.”
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health at Torbay Council said:
“We are working with partners to investigate the source of this outbreak, we advise that people wash their hands thoroughly when handling food and after using the toilet, to help prevent the spread of further infection.
“Please follow the advice to stay away from nursery, school and work for 48 hours since the last episode of illness and do not swim for two weeks after being unwell.”