What is cryptosporidium and what has Bristol Water said about the parasite found in Clevedon tap water?
The parasite, cryptosporidium, can infect a person's bowel and cause painful stomach cramps, nausea, fever, dehydration and weight loss
A PARASITE has been found infecting water in the West of England.
People who live in Clevedon are being urged to to boil their tap water before drinking it after cryptosporidium was found in the system. Here's the lowdown on the dangerous bug.
What is cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that 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.
Boiling the water kills the parasite and makes it safe to drink.
The parasite 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.
It is is one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases.
What has Bristol Water said about the parasite?
Britsol Water has warned people living in Clevedon area, with postcodes BS21 and BS49 are most at risk.
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."
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.
Yesterday they said: "We apologise to customers for this disruption, but any potential risk to health is our number one priority.
"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."
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What should people in the affected areas of Clevedon do?
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."
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