Families are being reminded to stay safe when visiting farms and petting zoos following a rise in Cryptosporidium. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East warns that the bug can be picked up on farms and cause a very unpleasant illness with watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, public health.
Cases of Cryptosporidium are increasing in the East Midlands and so anyone planning a trip to a farm needs to remember the importance of thoroughly and frequently washing hands to avoid getting bugs, such as Salmonella, Cryptosporidium (Crypto) and E.coli, which can make you seriously ill. These bugs can be passed from farm animals to humans, and if you do become infected, you can also pass the bugs on to other people who could also become unwell.
Dr Samia Latif, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East, said: "Visiting a farm is a really fun day out which is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, it’s important to remember that farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness.
