Cryptosporidiosis in UK

31 Aug 2016

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the south west of England is believed to have affected over 220 people.

According to Public Health England (PHE) there have so far been 223 cases of sickness and diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium across the region since June 2016. Cases have been reported from Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Dorset. Of these cases 34 were reported in Swindon which led to the closure of a swimming pool. There have been 20 cases reported from Devon.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, from PHE South West, advised that appropriate control measures are being taken to help prevent further cases.

Advice for Travellers

Cryptosporidiosis is a self-limiting parasitic diarrhoeal illness. As this disease occurs worldwide all travellers are potentially at risk; maintaining good food and water hygiene is the best prevention. Further information can be found on Food and Water Precautions page.