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Schools across Devon have been forced to shut after hundreds of people were struck down by a mystery illness which was sparked by contaminated water.
South West Water (SWW) yesterday urged people to boil their tap water after hundreds were struck down with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pains.
The mystery illness is believed to be linked to cryptosporidium, a parasitic bug that causes severe stomach issues.
Locals in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and north-east Paignton in Devon were all told to boil water as a precaution – including when drinking it or using it to cook with and brush teeth – as bottled water stations were set up yesterday to provide clean, safe water for residents to take home.
The water board initially claimed that its treatment works were not to blame but has since backtracked – prompting fury from local Tory MP Anthony Mangnall, who said its initial failure to act had been ‘enormously frustrating’.
Locals who believe they have been struck down by the parasite, which can be eradicated by boiling water, have told of severe stomach cramps, dehydration, high fevers and ‘explosive diarrhoea’ that have crippled them and their families.
South West Water unloading crates of bottled water to distribute to locals in south Devon
Eden Park Primary School in Brixham confirmed they would not open today following the outbreak
South West Water has set up bottled water stops for residents to pick up water if they are unable to boil it at home
A suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium is believed to be affecting hundreds of people in Brixham (pictured)
Cryptosporidium can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals. The parasite can be ingested by swimming in or drinking contaminated water as well as other sources such as contaminated food.
It can lead to the disease cryptosporidiosis, which is believed to be affecting many people in Brixham, and causes fever, a loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting. The NHS says most people recover within a month, if not less.
Conservative MP for Totnes and South Devon Anthony Mangnall has slammed the ‘enormously frustrating’ pace at which South West Water has sought to address the outbreak
Twenty-two cases of the bug, which is caused by a parasite, have been confirmed in Brixham with a further 70 under investigation.
Eden Park Primary School in Brixham announced yesterday evening that it would not be opening to pupils today following the outbreak.
The statement read: ‘Eden Park Primary School were only informed this afternoon that the school was in an area where the tap water should be boiled.
‘The school have taken swift action to put safety plans in place and contact the appropriate authorities about providing safe drinking water.
‘At the time of writing this update (7.30pm), and despite repeated calls to South West Water about the urgency of the situation, the school has not received any bottled water or assurances of when water will be delivered. To enable parents and carers to make childcare plans for the morning, leaders have made the difficult decision to close the school tomorrow, Thursday 16th May.
‘All Year 6 children should attend the school as usual, to complete their final SATs paper in the morning. They should bring their own full water bottle and be collected at 11:15am. The school will also provide bottled water for children and staff in school tomorrow. No other children should attend the school.
‘A further update will be provided tomorrow afternoon, regarding the opening the school on Friday 17th May. Thank you for understanding with this rapidly changing situation.’
It is thought hundreds of residents are experiencing a range of symptoms including watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, a mild fever, and loss of appetite.
Locals told MailOnline symptoms began among some around two weeks ago.
Retiree Kathy Hudson, 67, said: ‘I have been ill since last week with cramps, diarrhoea, sickness and dizziness. My daughter-in-law has also got ill.
‘I don’t want to know what is in the water I have been drinking but now they are saying not to wash your hands, can you shower? What’s it going to do to you?
Cryptosporidium can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals
‘I have been coming out with terrible eczema in the last couple of weeks which I haven’t in ages.’
To make matters worse Kathy says she hasn’t been able to buy any bottled water as panic buyers have stripped shelves in the town’s supermarkets.
She added: ‘There is no water left in any of the shops in town.
‘I think South West Water made a mess for themselves by saying yesterday there was nothing wrong with the water and to keep drinking it. They should’ve been testing the water before it happened.’
Karen Chapman, 65, said: ‘I only found out yesterday and I drink squash with tap water all day.
‘I pay a lot of money for water and it’s going up but you can’t even drink it, plus electricity is sky high so it costs to boil the water every time you want to drink it.
‘I have had no water all day because everywhere is sold out of bottles. It reminds me of the panic buying toilet rolls during Covid.’
Brixham resident Meg Dew said: ‘My 62-year-old mum called me about half an hour ago, she has a bad stomach and diarrhoea.
‘My friends have been ill since the Pirate Festival (4th to 6th May), I didn’t even know until this morning that there was anything wrong with the water.
‘South West Water needs to sort it out, bills are high but for nothing.’