Sixteen people have fallen ill with cryptosporidium after visiting a petting farm near Edinburgh. Health officials are now investigating the cases, which have been traced back to Craigies Farm in South Queensferry.
What is cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a disease carried by a wide range of farm animals including sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. It causes symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The infection can be contracted by touching animals or through contact with animal enclosures, fields, gates, and fences.
Health officials respond
Dr Graham Mackenzie, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lothian and the East Region Health Protection Service, said: “We are aware of 16 confirmed cases with links to a visitor attraction in Lothian, and they are being closely monitored.
“Investigations are continuing, and we are working closely with colleagues in hospital and primary care to ensure that if any further cases arise, they receive appropriate and timely care.”
The environmental health team has worked closely with the visitor attraction, Dr Mackenzie said.
“We generally see a seasonal increase in cryptosporidium cases in springtime and all cases are investigated to identify a source.
“To reduce the risk of infection it is important to wash your hands after contact with animals or areas where they are kept.”
Anyone with severe symptoms is advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 111.
Who is at risk?
According to the UK Health Security Agency, anyone can be infected with cryptosporidium, but it is most common in children aged between one and five years old. Other people at risk include those who handle infected livestock or their faeces or who drink from or swallow contaminated water, such as from lakes, rivers, or streams.
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks but can last longer, especially in people with weak immune systems.
“As symptoms are similar to many other tummy bugs, the only way to know you have cryptosporidium is for a doctor to ask for a sample of your faeces to be tested in a laboratory,” the agency said.
Craigies Farm has been contacted for comment.
