Since mid-August there has been an increase in intestinal diseases in Britain. Here's what is known about the mysterious surge.
This is an “unprecedented” outbreak – there has been a huge increase in diarrhea cases in the UK since August this year. This is reported by “Eurosurveillance”, a scientific journal that focuses on surveillance, epidemiology, prevention and control of infectious diseases.
The trigger is the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium, also known as Crypto. The report speaks of a “sustained and unprecedented increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis.” In one week in September alone, 500 cases were recorded, five times more than usual at this time of year.
Scientists are investigating the cases.
Scientists working on the case are still not clear about the causes. The case is being investigated and a questionnaire has been created about it. In this, those affected are asked about trips abroad, contact with food and water and interaction with animals.
Initial results suggest “that many cases may be related to international travel, particularly to Spain and other Mediterranean countries.” Swimming and use of pools may also contribute. “However, at this time it cannot be ruled out that other sources, such as contaminated food, are contributing to the excess,” the report continues.
What exactly is the Cryptosporidium intestinal parasite?
Microscopic parasites infect the intestines and cause watery diarrhea. After an infection, oocysts are excreted in feces and can be transmitted to other people. Oocysts are a developmental stage in the life cycle of single-celled parasites that can survive outside their host for long periods of time.
The most common route of infection is through water. Because oocysts are extremely tolerant to chlorine, swimming pools are considered high risk. Therefore, health authorities recommend anyone suffering from such a disease not to go swimming and to wait 14 days after infection.
An illness is usually not life-threatening for healthy people. However, for people with weakened immune systems, it can have serious consequences and, in the worst case, lead to death. In healthy people, the infection is characterized by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and fever. In the UK outbreak, more than half of respondents said their symptoms lasted more than ten days.
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