Four More Cases Of Illness Confirmed

The number of people affected by an outbreak of cryptosporidium on a community farm in Wales has risen to eight, after four more cases were confirmed.

Greenmeadow Farm in Cwmbran has been investigated by Public Health Wales, the local council and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency following the problems related to the illness, which was identified at the start of April.

It has been reported that further measures have been taken to ensure any risk to visitors and staff on the site are limited, while the public have been urged to follow hygiene guidelines when visiting petting farms.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness experts represent people who have contracted cryptosporidium both in the UK and abroad, as well as those left with long-term health conditions as a result of other illness outbreaks.

Illness expert Elizabeth Tetzner said: “We’ve acted in a number of cases in which people have suffered health problems for months after contracting cryptosporidium either in holidays abroad or just in the UK.

“The infection can lead to a range of symptoms which can blight sufferers, including vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss.

“While it is clear that steps have been taken to prevent further people from being affected, it is a serious concern to hear that four cases have been confirmed in relation to this outbreak. It is important that health authorities work quickly to assess the issues and learn lessons from the issue.”