MORE than 80 people are seeking legal action after falling seriously ill with an animal parasite at a kids' petting farm.
Parents and children were left with severe gastric sickness following a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire over the Easter holidays.
They are thought to have contracted cryptosporidium - a microscopic parasite that can cause an infection called cryptosporidiosis.
Many of those affected were unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea for several weeks, and some remain in hospital.
The attraction, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves, is temporarily closed.
Last month it emerged that 20 visitors had contacted public health lawyers asking them to investigate their case following their ordeals.
Over 80 people have since come forward after they also fell poorly following a trip to the farm, near Redditch, during March and April.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Wychavon District Council have also launched a probe.
One of the latest victims to come forward is a teenager who was forced to take time off school and lost over a stone in weight.
Sophie Enright, 14, from Hollywood, Birmingham, now fears her exam results will suffer as a result.
The schoolgirl visited the farm with her mum Emma Cleverley, 38, on April 3 and became ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting by April 9.
As her daughter's condition deteriorated, Emma called her GP, who said she was the fourth person he'd seen that day with the same symptoms after visiting the farm.
Sophie was prescribed anti-sickness medication and drugs to ease her stomach cramps but four days later her symptoms had not improved.
She was given a stronger dose of medication, plus nutrient shakes and pain relief, and was diagnosed with cryptosporidium following tests.
Today, Sophie continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms, including stomach pains and lethargy. She has also lost more than a stone in weight.
The illness forced Sophie to take time off school and her head of year said it could impact her exam results.
Emma said: "Even now I can't believe what has happened to Sophie since the farm visit back in April.
"She's like another girl after what has been a frightening and uncertain experience.
"Having visited the doctors, she just never seemed to improve and as the weight fell off her, we became really concerned.
"We thought it was just a bug that would clear up but when they said it was cryptosporidium, terrible thoughts go through your mind.
"Sophie still isn't well and she was devastated to have missed school in the run up to her mock exams and as suffered with her mental health as a result.
"Our focus has been on seeing Sophie make a full recovery but given all of the people who've been so ill, I think there are questions to answer."
We came for a nice family day out and left with a bug that could have killed my son
Kelly Roberts
Also struck down was five-year-old Eli Roberts.
The youngster, from Birmingham, visited Gannow Farm with his mum Kelly last month.
Ten days later, he was rushed to hospital with "bright green vomit" and diarrhoea.
Kelly, an NHS admin worker, said: "We came for a nice family day out and left with a bug that could have killed him.
"Seeing my son hooked to an IV drip, having blood taken from his arms and not able to drink any water was just horrifying.
"The colour of his vomit was like nothing I had ever seen before and his violent diarrhoea smelt absolutely horrendous."
Stool samples confirmed Eli had cryptosporidiosis.
"When I told the doctor we had recently visited Gannow, he told me that was probably where Eli picked up the bug," Kelly added.
"He told me Eli wasn't the only child in the hospital with cryptosporidiosis who had been to that particular farm."
Four-year-old Georgia Powell also fell ill, with mum Michelle, 41, describing the ordeal as "such a nightmare".
And another family - mum Danielle Furlong, 33, and daughters Sienna-Mai Souther, nine, and three-year-old Darcie Southern - say they were admitted to hospital after visiting the farm.
Danielle said: "This is one family day out we'll remember for all the wrong reasons."
Emily Fryer, who had to take her son Isaac, five, to A&E twice after he couldn't eat for four days, has also spoken out.
SYMPTOMS of the bug include:
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks but can be longer, especially in people with weak immune systems.
During the illness, you might think that you are getting better and have shaken off the infection but then it returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
Take the following steps to protect yourself from the illness.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water:
Help young children to wash their hands properly and always wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Do not drink untreated water.
You should pay special attention to hygiene during farm visits, washing hands after any contact with animals, and eating only in designated areas.
How do I treat the illness?
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body.
Cryptosporidiosis is highly infectious, so you need to be very clean around your home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop, so don't return to work or school until that time has passed, don't share towels or bedding and don't prepare food for others.
You are infectious to other people while you are ill and have symptoms.
The outbreak has not been officially linked to the farm, but it previously admitted it was a "probable source".
Jatinder Paul, head of the specialist public health team at Irwin Mitchell, who is supporting the families, said: "Since being initially approached by 20 people who had fallen seriously ill following visits to Gannow Farm, it's deeply concerning that over 80 people have now come forward, all with similar stories to tell of being diagnosed with cryptosporidium following their visit.
"Cryptosporidium is known to cause gastrointestinal illness and can be a serious condition for many vulnerable groups, including children and older people.
"A type of microscopic parasite, cryptosporidium can cause illness in both humans and animals alike.
"It's vital that people take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection.
"While welcome that the UKHSA is investigating, we're committed to supporting our clients through what has been a terrible ordeal and securing for them the answers they deserve.
"If during the case of our investigations any issues are identified, it's vital that lessons are learned to improve public safety."
In a Facebook post, the farm said: "We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.
"This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies, however we are working closely with them as always.
"We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery."
Cryptosporidium can affect anyone, but it tends to be worse for children under the age of five.
It causes watery and often violent diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pains that can last days or weeks.
The bug is found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals and can contaminate lakes, streams, rivers, swimming pools, water and food, as well as farm gates and outdoor clothing and shoes.
For most people, cryptosporidiosis is mild and will clear on its own.
But for some, it can be "dangerous", according to the UKHSA.
Officials say it can cause dehydration, malnutrition, growth delays and cognitive impairment.
The NHS urges anyone with symptoms to stay off work and school.
No one should return until they have been free from diarrhoea and/or vomiting for at least 48 hours.
