Overview
- The number of confirmed cryptosporidium cases tied to Cowbridge Farm Shop in Wales has risen to 47, with further increases expected due to the parasite's incubation period.
- The outbreak has been linked to calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions, prompting the farm to voluntarily suspend all public animal interactions.
- Cryptosporidium, a highly infectious parasite, causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps, lasting up to two weeks.
- Health authorities are urging anyone who visited the farm and feels unwell to contact their GP or NHS 111 and to practice strict hygiene measures to prevent further spread.
- The Outbreak Control Team continues to work closely with the farm to investigate the outbreak, which follows a similar incident in Devon last year involving over 100 cases linked to contaminated water.