Mum in hospital and children amongst 6 struck down by parasite outbreak at household attraction
Medics have issued guidance after six people, including adults and children, were confirmed to have contracted cryptosporidiosis following visits to a lamb feeding experience at Craigies Farm
The popular attraction has issued a statement.(Image: Google)
Six people, including children, have been struck down with a parasite-related illness after visiting a family attraction.They fell sick after attending a lamb feeding activity at Craigies Farm, close to South Queensferry in Edinburgh.
All were diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, a condition linked to settings where individuals come into contact with animals, triggered by the cryptosporidium parasite. A seasonal rise in incidents is frequently observed during springtime.
A local mother who attended with her two youngsters said she remained poorly for almost a fortnight following her visit to the attraction which resulted in her needing hospital treatment.
Signs of the extremely infectious illness include severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, sickness or vomiting, mild fever and reduced appetite, potentially resulting in dehydration and weight reduction.
It occurs most frequently in youngsters aged one to five years. Additional at-risk groups include those who manage infected farm animals or their waste, encounter human excrement through caregiving, consume untreated water or visit nations where such exposure is more probable, reports Edinburgh Live.
Cryptosporidium may be present in the digestive systems and waste of infected people and creatures, and could pollute waterways including lakes, streams and rivers, swimming facilities, unprocessed or inadequately treated water, food items — particularly unpasteurised milk and fresh produce — and surfaces such as farm barriers and outdoor footwear and garments.
The health board has been alerted to the recent cases, and has provided guidance to the public on reducing infection risk and what steps to take if symptoms develop.
Craigies Farm has also released a statement in response, confirming the attraction had undergone an Environmental Health inspection, which found the controls and measures in place satisfactory.
Both organisations emphasised the crucial importance of proper hand hygiene after contact with animals or their enclosures.
Peter Harrison, Nurse Consultant in Health Protection, NHS Lothian and the East Region Health Protection Service, explained: “We generally see a seasonal increase in cryptosporidium cases in springtime and all cases are investigated to identify a source.
“We are aware of six cases with links to a visitor attraction in the Lothian area and are working with environmental health colleagues to monitor the situation.
“Cryptosporidium is a disease that can be carried by a wide range of farm animals including sheep, cattle, pigs and goats. Infection can be picked up by touching or petting animal or through contact with fields, fences, gates and buildings where animals have been kept.
“To reduce the risk of infection it is important to wash your hands after contact with animals or areas where they are kept.
“Symptoms of cryptosporidium can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. While this does not usually require medical treatment, those who have severe symptoms are advised to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 111.”
John Sinclair, proprietor of Craigies Farm, acknowledged the attraction is collaborating closely with health authorities following the outbreak and emphasised that containment protocols are in operation.
He continued: “We are aware of a small number of visitors who have reported illness following visits to the farm and we take this very seriously. Cryptosporidiosis is a recognised, seasonal infection associated with animal contact environments, particularly in young lambs, and cases do occur each year across the UK.
“Our lamb feeding experience ran as planned and concluded on May 4. We have been working closely with the Edinburgh environmental health team, who have visited the farm and are satisfied with the controls, procedures and hygiene measures in place. We continue to follow all guidance provided.
“We also work alongside the National Farm Attractions Network, a UK-wide organisation that supports farms and environmental health teams with best practice guidance to ensure these types of experiences can operate as safely as possible.
“As with all farms, the key control is good hygiene, particularly thorough handwashing after contact with animals. We provide handwashing facilities, clear guidance before, during and after the experience, and removed higher contact elements such as lamb cuddling to further reduce risk.
“Following recent discussions, we have also taken additional steps to strengthen cleaning procedures within animal areas. The health and safety of our visitors is our priority, and we will continue to review and improve our processes where required.”
