Brixham Cryptosporidium Outbreak

A Brixham mum whose boy was hospitalised with Cryptosporidium has revealed the “devastating” impact of his illness as a water company was sentenced in connection with a mass parasitic outbreak.

Nearly 150 people were confirmed to have fallen ill following the outbreak in Brixham in May 2024. The water supply to thousands of households was also affected.

A group of those diagnosed with illnesses after drinking tap water provided by South West Water, instructed specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure compensation and access to the specialist ongoing support they require.

In a civil claim, the utility supplier has admitted liability for illnesses suffered by the group, whose ages range from eight to 60, instructed by Irwin Mitchell.

Among those affected is a 10-year-old boy who was struck down by Cryptosporidium. His mum has now spoken for the first time about the impact his illness has had on their lives and has joined her legal team in urging water companies to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and environmental safety.

It comes after South West Water was sentenced in a separate criminal prosecution brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

 The company had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of supplying water unfit for human consumption.

Jatinder Paul, the expert public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the group, said after the hearing:

“Cryptosporidium is a serious water-borne infection, and its effects should not be downplayed. It can have devasting and long-lasting consequences for the most vulnerable in society such as the elderly and children.

 

“It’s been two years since the outbreak, and many of those we represent continue to be greatly affected by their illnesses. Some have gone on to develop conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, while others, have been hospitalised and continue to suffer with the psychological impact.

 

“Nothing will make up for what they’ve been through, but we welcome today’s sentence which we hope acts as a stark reminder of the need for water companies to ensure they uphold rigorous standards at all times, to ensure public safety.  

 

“In the meantime, our focus is on supporting those families we represent to ensure they have access to the specialist rehabilitation and support they require, to try and overcome their illnesses the best they can.”

Brixham child hospitalised after contaminated water outbreak

Rafferty Watts, of Brixham, was left severely ill after drinking tap water in his home in May 2024.

On 7 May 2024, Rafferty’s mum, Jennifer Watts, 52, noticed he wasn’t eating and was finding it difficult to swallow. A week later, she took him to hospital, where he was assessed and discharged.

However, a few days later, he developed symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and heartburn. Tests confirmed he had contracted Cryptosporidium.

Following another visit to hospital, where he received IV fluids and paracetamol, Rafferty was admitted to hospital on 20 May for three nights.

He had significant weight loss after refusing to eat or drink for a prolonged period during his illness.

Jennifer, self-employed, said her son appears to have developed complications, including post-gastroenteritis constipation, obsessive-compulsive disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

Rafferty’s illness has had a devastating impact on his family.

Jennifer said: 

“One of my biggest fears is that life will never be the same again after this experience.

 

“It was terrifying to watch Rafferty’s symptoms get worse and not go away. As a mum all I wanted was to help my son, but there was nothing I could do.  I felt completely at a loss.

 

“Before he fell ill, Rafferty was happy, confident and outgoing. However, after returning home from hospital and testing positive for Cryptosporidium, he was a lot more withdrawn.  

 

“He associates eating and drinking with his illness, so he has struggled with this ever since, as he’s scared of falling ill again.

 

“Even now, he refuses to eat outside the house on most occasions, so it is virtually impossible for us to travel away from home.

 

“It’s worrying that what happened to us happened to so many people. We’d much rather not be in this position, but I’m pleased that the water company has been held accountable, especially if it reduces the risk of something similar happening again.

 

“By sharing our story, I hope every step possible is taken to protect the public, especially our children.”