The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that around 50 cases of Cryptosporidium have been identified as being linked to Hazelgrove Farm in Ryde following an outbreak a few weeks ago, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) now investigating.
As previously reported by Island Echo, UKHSA South East is working with the Isle of Wight Council as a result of a number of people becoming unwell after visiting the farm off Ashey Road.
Dr Anand Fernandes, health protection consultant for UKHSA South East, has today (Thursday 18th May) 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. 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 the 10th of 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.
“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 and away from swimming pools for 14 days after the last episode of illness.”
Has someone got it for this farm as said quite a common illness but never mentioned in the local papers. But still it’s down to parents teaching children basic hygiene.
Perhaps children would be better to view the animals on a phone, read about them, and hear the sounds they make and not run the risk of getting sick.
A digital world with no risk of reality is all they need now.
Health and Safety on the Isle of Wight
Lol
I have been saying for years Health and Safety does not exist on the
Island.
I actually saw you sat in a bus shelter swaying from side to side repeatedly saying “Health and Safety does not exist on the Island”, then the men in white coats took you away. But it seems you actually told the truth. All those wasted years in the looney bin …
Do we have a cryptosperidian filter on our water supply?
Cryptosporidium is removed from drinking water by standard coagulation and filtration processes at water treatment works. It is very, very rarely an issue in drinking water unless processes are not operated correctly. Infection with Cryptosporidium is not a trivial illness and not common. It can take 4-6 weeks to fully recover, and it is very unpleasant and debilitating.
Certainly is !! And hands were thoroughly washed but kids still got it , grandson lost lots of weight so no its not a trivial childhood illness .