The count of individuals afflicted by a parasitic infection following interactions with calves and lambs at a farm in south Wales has surged to 81. Seven new instances of cryptosporidium have been confirmed recently, all associated with visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, in March and April. Public Health Wales (PHW) disclosed that 16 individuals had to receive hospital treatment for at least one night due to the infection, including a four-year-old boy. The farm shop, which remains under request for comment by the BBC, voluntarily ceased its feeding and petting sessions on 29 April and is fully cooperating with the investigation, as per PHW.
Health officials from Public Health Wales and other relevant agencies convened for the fourth time on Wednesday since the outbreak commenced to synchronize the response effort. They emphasized the importance of adhering to hygiene practices when visiting farms. Beverley Griggs, a consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, iterated the collaboration with partners to delve into the outbreak and diminish the risk of further transmission. She mentioned, “Cryptosporidium infection often resolves without intervention, but it can be severe for susceptible individuals.” Griggs advised individuals exhibiting symptoms like diarrhea, stomach discomfort, or nausea after visiting the farm to consult their GP or contact NHS 111 Wales.
Cryptosporidium is primarily linked to interaction with farm animals and can easily transmit from person to person, posing a heightened threat to young children and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically manifest within two to 10 days post-exposure and can persist for up to two weeks. PHW cautioned that transmission could still occur after symptoms diminish and advised affected individuals against swimming for two weeks to prevent further spread. Visitors to petting farms are cautioned to avoid close contact with animals, supervise children vigilantly, and wash hands diligently using soap and warm water post-contact with animals or traversing a farm. Pregnant women are particularly urged to evade contact with newly born lambs during lambing season due to the elevated infection risk
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