Update on Cryptosporidium cases linked to Cowbridge farm visits
An on-going investigation into cases of cryptosporidium at a Cowbridge farm has now confirmed 74 cases.
The third meeting of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team to assess the ongoing outbreak of Cryptosporidium linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop, Marlborough Grange Farm, Cross Ways, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ. was held today (8 May).
The outbreak has resulted in 16 people having to stay in hospital for at least one night.
The farm has voluntarily ceased all public animal feeding activities and is cooperating with the investigation.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal illness, often associated with contact with animals, especially young farm animals such as calves and lambs. Public Health experts are warning those who have come into contact with infected cases to take extra care to avoid passing the infection onto others.
Su Mably, Consultant in Health protection for Public Health Wales said:
“We are continuing to work with our partners to investigate this outbreak. Although cryptosporidium infection is usually mild and clears up on its own, it can cause more serious illness in young children and people with weakened immune systems. If you visited the farm and feel unwell, please contact your GP or call NHS 111. It is possible for this infection to be passed on from one person to another, for example if someone is caring for a family member who is unwell. It is important to protect yourself by washing your hands well, particularly before preparing food.”
The main symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include:
Watery diarrhoea
Stomach pains or cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Mild fever
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after contact with the parasite and can last for up to two weeks.
To help reduce the risk of infection, people visiting farms are reminded to follow these hygiene precautions:
Avoid close contact with animals – including holding, cuddling or kissing – as this significantly increases the risk of illness.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching animals, after touching boots or clothing, and before eating or drinking. Alcohol based hand gels do not provide sufficient cleaning. Always use soap and warm water.
Do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking around the farm.
Remove and clean footwear and wash hands after leaving the farm.
Supervise children closely to ensure they wash their hands properly and avoid close contact with the animals.
Pregnant women should take particular care and avoid contact with newborn lambs during lambing season.
Those who have been unwell with the symptoms above following a visit to a farm should:
Be especially careful to avoid spreading the infection to others at home by practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and warm water and not sharing towels, bedding or other personal items until you are fully recovered. It is particularly important to wash your hands before preparing food.
Avoid swimming for two weeks after their symptoms have ceased.
Anyone who has symptoms and has visited the Cowbridge Farm Shop – especially those who took part in the calf or lamb feeding sessions – should contact their GP or call NHS 111 and let them know that you have visited the site.
More information about Cryptosporidium is available on the gov.uk website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cryptosporidium-public-advice
https://phw.nhs.wales/news/update-on-cryptosporidium-cases-linked-to-cowbridge-farm-visits1/