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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Health Protection Unit
 

 

6th October 2005

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS : HEALTH ADVICE

Health officials are monitoring levels of cryptosporidiosis following a recent increase in cases of stomach illness caused by the parasite in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Protection Unit has been made aware of 44 cases of cryptosporidiosis locally during the last month, mainly in the Fareham and Gosport areas.

Cryptosporidium is a tiny parasite found in humans and animals and can cause a temporary diarrhoeal illness lasting about two weeks followed by full recovery. The parasite can survive for many months in water and soil.

It only presents a risk for people with severely impaired immune systems. Anyone who has been told by their hospital consultant or General Practitioner that they have a severely impaired immune system should only drink bottled and tap water that has been brought to boil and allowed to cool before use. This should already be part of the everyday routine for those who have impaired immune systems.

Anybody who lives in the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire area who has prolonged diarrhoea that lasts for 3-4 days should either contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or their General Practitioner, although it is extremely unlikely that they will be suffering from cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium multiplies in the gut of infected humans and animals and forms microscopic eggs called oocysts, which are shed in the faeces. These oocysts are very hardy and if they are swallowed they can cause infection.

Cryptosporidiosis can be transmitted through person to person contact from unwashed fruit and vegetables, contact with animals, swimming pools, and, occasionally, drinking water supplies.

Although uncommon, outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis caused by oocyst in mains supply drinking water can occur, and it is possible that these recent cases are the results of this. One of Portsmouth Water's water sources is at the lower end of the River Itchen Catchment and this is recognised by water officials as being at risk of exposure to cryptosporidium. This source only serves Portsmouth Water customers and not Southern Water customers.

Following an incident control meeting organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Protection Unit this week, Portsmouth Water has temporarily shutdown its River Itchen Treatment Works in response to the rise in cryptosporidiosis cases.

Dr Iain Blair, Director of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Protection Unit, said:

‘The increase in cases is above the average levels we normally see each month and it is possible that they are the result of oocysts in the water supply. We welcome the prompt action by Portsmouth Water to shutdown its treatment works as a precautionary measure.

‘As the treatment works have now been taken out of service it is anticipated that cases will subside over the next few weeks. We would like to reassure the public that we will continue to monitor the situation. The majority of residents in Fareham and Gosport will not be affected by the increase in an incidence of cryptosporidiosis and there is no cause for anyone to be alarmed.'

Portsmouth Water's Technical Director, Andy Neve, says: ‘The Water Treatment Works is very effective at removing oocysts, however from time to time very low levels remain in the supply leaving the Works. These levels are constantly monitored and are always well below the standards set in the Water Quality Regulations to protect public health.

‘Levels of oocysts in the water supplied to the area are currently very low. Nevertheless, we want to protect public health and reassure the public. We are working with the Health Protection Agency, Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust and Fareham and Gosport local authorities to help control this outbreak, and therefore we have decided to temporarily take the Treatment Works out of service as a precaution.

'I am confident that water supplies are safe to drink.'

 

More information on cryptosporidiosis can be found at:

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

or

www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/crypto/gen_inf.htm

 

For health related issues please contact NHS Direct 0845 46 47.