Urgent alert as diarrhoea and vomiting bug is found in town’s tap water – putting kids at risk
The parasite, cryptosporidium, can infect a person's bowel and cause painful stomach cramps, nausea, fever, dehydration and weight loss
AN urgent warning has been issued urging people to boil their tap water before drinking it, after a parasite that causes diarrhoea and vomiting was detected.
The parasite, cryptosporidium, can infect a person's bowel and cause painful stomach cramps, nausea, fever, dehydration and weight loss.
Children and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk of falling ill.
Britsol Water has warned people living in Clevedon area, with postcodes BS21 and BS49 are most at risk.
Boiling the water kills the parasite and makes it safe to drink
The company issued the warning yesterday and it is expected to remain in place for at least 48 hours.
Information on its website this morning states: "We have taken further samples and we are awaiting results.
"We expected the boil water notice will still be in place today and tomorrow but we will inform customers as soon as it can be removed."
Bottled water is being handed out to vulnerable residents and two schools, Clevedon School and Mary Elton Primary School, have been closed for the day.
Headteacher Dean Hudd, at Mary Elton Primary School, said: "This decision has been based on health and safety reasons. We envisage that the school will be safe and reopen on Monday, January 15."
Bristol Water warned tap water should not be used for drinking, cooking (unless boiled), bathing, cleaning teeth, feeding pets, cleaning dishes, washing clothes or heating baby food.
"We apologise to customers for this disruption, but any potential risk to health is our number one priority," the company said yesterday.
"Hopefully, the boil notice will only be in place for a short period but every precaution needs to be taken to ensure the safety of our customers."
Thara Raj, consultant in health protection for Public Health England South West said: "We would remind people in the affected areas to follow the advice from Bristol Water and boil their drinking water and allow to cool before use.
"The levels of cryptosporidium detected in the water supply is low and the advice to boil the water is as a precaution.
"If people feel unwell or experience symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting they should contact NHS 111.
"If your symptoms become severe, you should contact your GP."
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can live in the intestines of humans and animals.
It is spread to people through soil, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the poo of an infected person.
Human's most often become infected when they accidentally swallow something that has come into contact with infected stool, swallowing contaminated water in pools, hot tubs, streams and water systems, and eating uncooked contaminated food.
Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases.
Symptoms usually start within a week of becoming infected with the parasite and can last up to two weeks.
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The symptoms may come and go in cycles, meaning you'll feel better for a few days then begin to feel worse again.
There is no specific treatment but antidiarrheal medication and plenty of rest and fluids will help.
If you think you have cryptosporidium you should speak to your GP.