The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the number of cryptosporidium cases in Brixham has surged to 46, with over 100 additional individuals exhibiting symptoms of the infection. This outbreak has prompted South West Water to issue a boil water notice affecting approximately 16,000 households.
The source of the contamination has been traced to a damaged air valve in the Hillhead area, which potentially allowed animal waste or contaminated groundwater to infiltrate the local water supply. In response, residents have been advised to boil their water before use and to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the parasite.
The intestinal parasite has already made at least 22 people ill, with the broader impact affecting 16,000 residents in the Devon area of South West England. To alleviate the situation, South West Water is distributing bottled water throughout the affected region.
In an effort to compensate for the inconvenience, South West Water is offering impacted customers £115 (approximately $150 USD). The company has emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue promptly. “Protecting the health of our customers and providing them with clean, fresh drinking water is our number one priority, and we will continue to work around the clock to make sure that happens as soon as possible,” a spokesperson for South West Water stated.
Residents are urged to follow the boil water notice and adhere to hygiene recommendations provided by health experts to mitigate the outbreak while efforts to restore safe drinking water continue across the country.