Published Date: 2012-09-15 12:21:59
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Cryptosporidiosis - UK (03): (Wales)
Archive Number: 20120915.1295349
CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS - UK (03): (WALES)
************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Wed, Sep 12, 2012
Source: South Wales Argus
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/9922362.Fourteen_hit_by_bug_outbreak_as_Newport_Centre_pool_closes/?ref=nt
Cryptosporidia outbreak from Newport Centre swimming pool
---------------------------------------------------------
14 people in Gwent have been struck down by a bug that has triggered the closure of the swimming pool at the Newport Centre.
Environmental and public health experts are investigating the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis - which can cause watery diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting and fever - with cases having been reported since mid-August [2012].
7 of those affected had used the pool, and after water sampling revealed the presence of the bug _Cryptosporidium_, it was closed last Thursday [7 Sep 2012].
Investigations are continuing but it is not known how the other 7 people were infected.
"We know that 7 of the 14 people who have become unwell since mid-August have visited the swimming pool at the Newport Centre," said Dr Lika Nehaul, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales.
However, some had other possible exposure that could explain their infection, so we are keeping an open mind about any possible links. The pool remains closed and no date has been set for its reopening.
Cryptosporidiosis can affect people of any age but is most common in children aged
1-5 years. It is often associated with travel overseas and can be acquired from other people, from animals [cattle], and from drinking or swimming in contaminated water.
Although outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis do occur, it is not unusual for Public Health Wales to be notified of sporadic cases throughout the year, that cannot be linked to others. There are up to 400 cases a year in Wales.
'Stay away from work if you have symptoms'
------------------------------------------
"Anyone with symptoms should stay away from work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped," said Dr Nehaul. "Anyone diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis should wait 2 weeks after their diarrhoea has stopped before using any swimming pool."
More information is available from Public Health Wales
<atwww.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/44044>
Anyone with health concerns should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on
0845 46 47.
[Communicated to
ProMED-mail from Health map alerts
[Infection with _Cryptosporidium_ is well-known in the United Kingdom and infections from swimming pools are not unusual. - Mod. EP]
[Cryptosporidium life-cycle diagram:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Cryptosporidiosis_01.png/300px-Cryptosporidiosis_01.png - Mod.JW]
See Also
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (02): multiple areas: 20120602.1154339Cryptosporidiosis - UK: (Wales): 20120512.1131007
2005
----
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Wales) 20051202.3476
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland) (03) 20050430.1211
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland) (02) 20050427.1170
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland) 20050424.1149
2003
----
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland): background 20031015.2595
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland) 20031014.2591
2002
----
Cryptosporidiosis, water supply - UK (Scotland) (03) 20020808.4995
2001
----
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Northern Ireland) (02) 20010504.0862
2000
----
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Northern Ireland) (02) 20000904.1508
Cryptosporidiosis - UK ex Spain (Majorca) 20000808.1322
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (Scotland) 20000605.0903
Cryptosporidiosis, human - UK (England): CORRECTION 20000423.0600
Cryptosporidiosis, human ex sheep - UK (England) 20000419.0569
1999
----
Cryptosporidiosis, swimming pools - UK (England) 19991125.2087
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (NW England) 19990514.0788
1998
----
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (04) 19980520.0963
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (03) 19980512.0935
Cryptosporidiosis - UK (02) 19980511.0930
Cryptosporidiosis - UK 19980510.0927
.................................................sb/ep/jw