2023-11-11 11:37:19
Mysterious Increase in Cryptosporidium Cases in Great Britain
Since mid-August, there has been a sharp rise in intestinal diseases in Great Britain, with a significant increase in diarrheal cases. According to a report in “Eurosurveillance”, a scientific journal specializing in the surveillance, epidemiology, prevention, and control of infectious diseases, the outbreak is “unprecedented” and has been attributed to the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium, also known as Crypto.
The report describes an “unprecedented and sustained increase in cryptosporidiosis cases”, with 500 cases recorded in just one week in September – five times more than usual for this time of year. Scientists are currently investigating these cases and have created a questionnaire to gather information from those affected, including their travel history, contact with food and water, and interaction with animals.
Preliminary results suggest that many cases may be related to international travel, particularly to Spain and other Mediterranean countries. Swimming and using swimming pools have also been identified as potential contributors. However, other sources, such as contaminated food, cannot be ruled out as contributing to the excess of cases.
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea. The parasites are excreted in the feces after an infection and can be passed on to other people. The most common route of infection is through water, as the oocysts are extremely tolerant to chlorine, making swimming pools high risk areas. Health authorities are advising anyone with symptoms of the illness to refrain from swimming and to wait 14 days after infection.
While the illness is generally not life-threatening for healthy individuals, it can have serious consequences for those with weakened immune systems, and in the worst cases, lead to death. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and fever, with more than half of the respondents in the UK outbreak reporting symptoms lasting more than ten days.
The increase in cryptosporidiosis cases in Great Britain has sparked concerns among health authorities and the general public, as investigations continue to uncover the potential sources of the outbreak.]
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