By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Ireland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their 2018 drinking water report this week which reveals that the incidence of Cryptosporidium detections has increased in the past three years, posing a serious risk to human health.
The EPA has seen detections of Cryptosporidium in 25 public water supplies in 2018, up from 17 in 2017 and 12 in 2016. Of particular concern are supplies which have inadequate processes in place to treat or remove Cryptosporidium and those where there is no treatment in place at all.
Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, Dr Tom Ryan said, “We are seeing an upward trend in Cryptosporidium contamination in drinking water supplies. We know that Cryptosporidium can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, particularly in young children and the elderly, and the EPA has ensured that Irish Water has investigated each of these Cryptosporidium detections.
Strep A infections: New bacterial strain linked to rise in England and Wales, according to study
“Irish Water must make certain that water treatment plants are properly and effectively operated to protect public health. Those plants without appropriate treatment for Cryptosporidium need to be prioritised for investment by Irish Water.”
While the Cryptosporidium detections is a concern, the report also shows that the quality of drinking water in public supplies remains high with 99.9% compliance with microbiological parameters and 99.6% compliance with chemical parameters.
Lyme disease in Ireland: Estimates of up to 300 cases annually
Belgium: Suspected Salmonella outbreak sickens scores at Bruges school
