In a follow-up to a report on a cryptosporidium outbreak on a farm in Monmouthshire, Wales, Public Health Wales now reports seven people have now tested positive for the parasite, cryptosporidium and 16 others are under investigation after regular attendance at Coleg Gwent’s farm in Usk or contact with those who have.
Heather Lewis, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “We are continuing to work with Coleg Gwent, who has written to all students who may have been on the farm in March.
“As a precaution, Coleg Gwent has also cancelled a series of open days which were due to take place with invited primary schools between April 12-15 and have put in place a number of recommended control measures which include limiting college students’ access to animals when they return next week.”
Good hand washing after coming into contact with farm animals, their bedding or dirty equipment including clothing is of the utmost importance in preventing infection with cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is very common in young farm animals and can easily be passed to people who come into contact with those animals.
It causes watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and can last for up to a month. Healthy people will usually make a full recovery.
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