CONTAMINATION CRISIS
Devon water contamination: ‘Cause’ of crisis that left hundreds struck down with ‘horrific’ diarrhoea bug ‘revealed’
Residents have been warned they could be ill for up to a month
THE possible cause of the cryptosporidium outbreak that's contaminated drinking water in Devon has been revealed.
Anthony Mangnall MP, whose Totnes constituency includes impacted Brixham, said the chaos may have been sparked by a "damaged air valve".
10
10
10
10
This "may have allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to enter the local supply", he said.
The Conservative wrote on Facebook: "I have just attended a meeting convened by the Secretary of State for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)to receive an update from South West Water...
"And the UK Health Security Agency SWW believe they have located the source of the issue and initiated a fix...
"But are continuing their investigations and will be testing their network to ensure water is safe."
Read More on this story
Asked what the source of the problem was, he told a member of the public: "A damaged air valve in the Hillhead area, which may have allowed animal waste or contaminated ground water to enter the local supply."
The UK Health Security Agency is investigating 46 cases of cryptosporidium in South Devon - with hundreds more feared ill.
It came after dozens of locals and holidaymakers reported experiencing grim symptoms like watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, a mild fever, and loss of appetite.
On Wednesday, South West Water ordered locals across Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and North East Paignton to boil their tap water.
Most read in The Sun
Those struck down by the parasite - which causes cryptosporidiosis - could be ill for a up to a month, an expert has warned.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can live in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals.
Hundreds suddenly fall ill in town with ‘worst illness ever’ as whole families affected and urgent probe launched
It can spread through swimming in or consuming contaminated water, but can also be passed on in food.
After the boil water order, emergency bottled water pick-up locations sprung up for locals to get hold of clean drinking water.
On Thursday, officials from South West Water said an underground reservoir believed to be the cause of the outbreak may have to be completely drained.
Locals living near the Hillhead Reservoir say they have been warned they will have to be switched onto alternative sources of water while the reservoir – which serves around 40,000 homes – is emptied
How to tell if you've picked up cryptosporidium - plus, steps to avoid it
HUNDREDS of people in Devon have been struck down by a parasite that infiltrated the water supply.
The bug, cryptosporidium, commonly known as 'crypto,' can infect the digestive systems of both animals and people.
Most people recover, but some can become seriously ill, such as very young children and those with particularly weak immune systems.
What are the symptoms?
- Profuse watery diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
Symptoms usually last about two weeks but can be longer, especially in people with weak immune systems.
During the illness, you might think you are getting better and have shaken off the infection, but then it returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
Take the following steps to protect yourself from the illness
The advice to people living in the affected area is to boil your drinking water and drink plenty to prevent becoming dehydrated – and stay away at home until it’s subsided.
Beyond the current outbreak, crypto can also be caught in lakes and swimming pools and contact with animal manure.
Therefore, you should always avoid swallowing water in lakes and swimming pools.
Catching it from animals is usually the most common way people become unwell, with a spike coming in spring when farms hold open days.
You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after working with, feeding, grooming or playing with pets and other animals.
How do I treat the illness?
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body.
Cryptosporidiosis is highly infectious, so you need to be very clean around your home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop, so don't return to work or school until that time has passed, don't share towels or bedding and don't prepare food for others.
You are infectious to other people while you are ill and have symptom
This afternoon, around a dozen vans from South West Water were lined up outside a pumping station where the outbreak is believed to have been detected earlier this week.
One local, James Martins, said: “We have been ill for weeks with vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"We are still feeling bad on an off.
“My understanding is it will be days or weeks before the reservoir is fully drained and in the meantime we have to boil our water."
10
10
10
10
10
10
Topics