Contaminated tap water gives 'explosive diarrhea' to residents of this UK town

A severe diarrhea outbreak has left hundreds of residents in UK's Devon practically bedridden. According to a Metro report, the illness is linked to cryptosporidium, a parasite found in contaminated water that causes severe gastrointestinal issues.

The parasite gets stuck to human intestines, leading to gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. It spreads through swimming in or consuming contaminated water and can also be transmitted through food. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and loss of appetite. The illness could last up to a month.

Residents in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland, and North East Paignton in Devon are now advised to boil tap water before drinking.

Tanya Matthews, who lives in Ocean View, said every home in her street had people with the same symptoms.She toldDevonLive: "I started having stomach cramps and explosive diarrhoea nine days ago and it has been the same every day since. I started to feel a little bit better yesterday than today [May 14] it hit me again.''

Consequently, residents have been panic-buying bottled water. The source of the parasite and its entry into the water supply remain unknown. Also watch | UK's covid inquiry, costliest in the world?

What do the authorities say?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that it is working with local councils to investigate the outbreak. Meanwhile, South West Water has reported that its water quality tests in Brixham have so far shown no contamination.

South West Water commented: "We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated."

The water firm further stated: ''Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consuming following new test results for cryptosporidium. We are issuing this as a precaution following small traces of the organism identified overnight and this morning. We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source. For those customers registered for Priority Services we will be delivering bottled water to your address. ''

Emergency bottled water stations have been set up for residents. Patients have been advised to drink lots of fluids since there's no specific treatment for the bug. (With inputs from agencies)