Health officials have issued a warning about an outbreak of a parasite that is causing symptoms similar to bowel cancer in at least 28 individuals. The infection, cryptosporidiosis, is caused by the parasite cryptosporidium, which can lead to severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and in some cases, blood in stools. The outbreak has been traced to a petting farm in Cowbridge, Wales, where individuals interacted closely with lambs and calves, including feeding and petting sessions.
Cryptosporidiosis is highly contagious and can be transmitted from animals to humans as well as between people. Infected individuals shed millions of cryptosporidium germs through their bowel movements, making it easy for the infection to spread if proper hygiene measures are not followed. Even a small number of germs just ten can cause illness, highlighting the ease with which the infection can spread. People become infected by coming into contact with feces contaminated with the parasite, either directly from infected animals, from surfaces like gates or shoes, or from infected individuals. Proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent further transmission.
The farm has voluntarily suspended the feeding and petting activities while the authorities investigate the outbreak. Public Health Wales is working alongside Cardiff and Vale health board and the Vale of Glamorgan council to track the source and prevent further infections. The petting farm initially posted an update about the suspension of activities due to “unforeseen circumstances,” but later removed the post from its social media.
Health experts are urging anyone who has visited the farm, especially those who participated in the feeding or petting sessions, to monitor their health for symptoms. If any signs of infection appear, such as stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, individuals are advised to seek medical advice from their GP. Public Health Wales has emphasized the importance of thorough handwashing, particularly after handling animals or objects at the farm. Visitors should wash their hands with hot water, soap, and paper towels, and children, in particular, should avoid putting their hands in their mouths or consuming food and drinks while in close contact with animals.
For most healthy individuals, cryptosporidiosis is a mild illness that resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. However, the symptoms can be particularly concerning because they can mimic signs of more serious conditions like bowel cancer, which is on the rise in many countries. This can cause anxiety among those affected, especially when they experience blood in their stools or abdominal pain. Vulnerable groups, such as those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, or individuals undergoing cancer treatment, may experience more severe symptoms.
While treatment for cryptosporidiosis is generally not necessary, affected individuals are advised to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid spreading the infection by staying home from work or school until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. The infection can also have recurring symptoms, with individuals sometimes experiencing a temporary improvement before the symptoms return.
Cryptosporidiosis is often contracted from contaminated water or direct contact with animal feces, and the risk of infection is higher during certain periods, such as after heavy rainfall or during lambing season when animals are more likely to shed the parasite. Similar outbreaks have occurred in the past, with incidents reported in different parts of the UK, such as the 100-person outbreak in Brixham, Devon, linked to contaminated water supplies.
Given the highly infectious nature of the parasite, the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and visitors to farms and similar venues are urged to follow health and hygiene guidelines to minimize the risk of infection.
