Woman’s Illness Follows More Than 70 Suspected Cases Being Investigated By UK Health Security Agency

A woman struck down with cryptosporidium during an outbreak of the parasitic infection in Devon has called on lawyers to investigate.

Woman from Dudley diagnosed with cryptosporidium following stay in Devon

The woman from Stourbridge, Dudley, developed sickness and diarrhoea after drinking tap water following a five-day stay with her husband and two friends at a caravan park in Brixham, Devon.

On returning home, the 58-year-old, who does not want to be named, was struck down with severe gastric symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fainting. Following tests, she was diagnosed with cryptosporidium on 17 May.

Public Health Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell instructed to investigate

Following her diagnosis, the woman instructed specialist Public Health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness.

The Public Health team at Irwin Mitchell has vast experience in supporting people affected by such illness, including more than 80 adults and children who were hospitalised with infections, including cryptosporidium, following visits to Gannow Farm in Redditch, Worcestershire over Easter this year.

Jatinder Paul is head of the specialist Public Health team at Irwin Mitchell

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from our client concerning her illness is deeply disturbing and reflects many other reports coming out of Devon of people who have fell ill after drinking tap water.

“Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite which can cause gastrointestinal illness in both humans and animals. It can have devasting consequences for the most vulnerable in society such as the elderly and children.

“Cryptosporidium is found in contaminated water sources, such as lakes and rivers, and can also be transmitted through contact with infected individuals or animals. It typically leads to symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

“Our client’s story is likely to be typical and as the UK Health Security Agency is reportedly investigating more than 70 cases, this could be the tip of the iceberg. It also shows that it’s not just local people who could be affected, but also visitors to Devon.

“Whilst we welcome that South West Water has now reduced the number of households required to boil drinking water, this remains a serious outbreak. It’s vital that lessons are learned going forward and that people caught up in this receive the support they deserve.” Jatinder Paul

Dream birthday break in Devon turns into a nightmare for West Midlands wife

The woman, travelled to Devon on 2 May for a five-day holiday to celebrate her husband’s birthday.

The holiday had passed without incident until the group prepared to return home on 7 May, when the woman began to feel generally unwell, with shaking and aching. By the next day she was seriously ill with stomach cramps and diarrhoea. She was so ill, she passed out and her husband had to lay her on the bathroom floor.

Tests confirm cryptosporidium

On consulting her GP she underwent tests which confirmed she had contracted cryptosporidium.  She has already received calls from the authorities in the West Midlands about her condition.

The woman said: “We’d all had a wonderful break but those memories have been ruined by my illness. I’ve never felt so ill.

“I drink a lot of water but luckily for our friends and my husband, they didn’t drink the tap water directly, only boiling water for tea and coffee, which probably saved them a similar experience.

“I still don’t feel well now and since this started I’ve lost over a stone in weight. It’s horrible to think so many other people have been affected. I feel so sorry for the people who live in the area.

“This has clearly been a very serious event and has been all over the news. I just hope now that I and the many others caught up in can get answers and importantly that lessons are learned to reduce the risk of this happening again.”

While the boil water notice has now been mostly lifted in Devon, the BBC reports that 2,500 properties in Brixham, Kingswear and Hillhead are still being advised to boil water for drinking. Hillhead reservoir is being investigated as a source of the cryptosporidium contamination.

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