Posted: June 3rd, 2012 - 12:33pm
Source: Health Protection Agency

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm it is investigating a recent increase in cases of the gastrointestinal infection, cryptosporidiosis, across four regions in England – the North East, Yorkshire, West Midlands and East Midlands.
To date, 267 cases of cryptosporidiosis have been confirmed in the affected areas since 11 May 2012, compared to 73 cases across the four regions for the whole of May 2011.
The HPA is leading a multi-agency investigation to determine whether these recent cases are linked. So far investigations have not identified a possible source of infection and the distribution of cases suggests it is unlikely that public water supplies are implicated.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a tiny organism called Cryptosporidium, which is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal droppings. People can become infected by consuming contaminated water or food, by swimming in contaminated water, for example in lakes or rivers, or through contact with infected animals. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe.
The majority of people who became unwell are known to be adults with slightly more females than males affected. Most people affected had a mild to moderate form of illness but a small number of people were hospitalised – all have now recovered.
Dr Stephen Morton, who is leading the investigation for the HPA, said: “It is usual to see an increase in cryptosporidiosis cases in the early summer, but, the increase is higher than we might expect so we are working with NHS partners, local Environmental Health Officers the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Food Standards Agency to see if there is a common source of infection.
“GPs in affected areas have been informed about the recent rise in cases and asked to be vigilant to further possible cases. This is to ensure any further possible cases can be followed up as part of our investigations.
“If our investigations identify a common source, we will issue further health advice to the public as necessary.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever which could last for up to three weeks but can affect people with weak immune systems for longer.
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Further information on cryptosporidiosis can be found on the HPA website: http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/Cryptosporidium/
The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @ HPAuk.
For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400.