School forced to close as hundreds struck down by 'explosive diarrhoea' illness

16 May 2024 , 06:24

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Water supplies being given out in Brixham as residents are hit by a parasite in local water supplies (Image: Alamy Live News.)

A school has closed after contaminated tap water led to an outbreak of a nasty diarrhoea bug broke out across a cluster of UK towns.

Residents in Brixham, Boohay, Kingswear, Roseland and North East Paignton in Devon have been told not to drink straight from the tap after a parasite was discovered in the supply. The cryptosporidium bug has struck down people across the area, and residents have been ordered to boil water before drinking it.

The grim bug results in water diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and, in some cases, fever and loss of appetite. A primary school in one of the villages has now been forced to shut until the problem is sorted.

Eden Park Primary and Nursery told parents it cannot open to children while drinking water is not possible. In a letter to parents, the school said it hoped to re-open its doors on Friday "pending deliveries and the situation".

Emergency water rations were handed out on Wednesday in response to the outbreak (Alamy Live News.)

One woman told DevonLive the bug's symptoms were the worst ever. Tanya Matthews said: "I started having stomach cramps and explosive diarrhoea nine days ago and it has been the same every day since. I started to feel a little bit better yesterday then today [May 14] it hit me again."

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Cryptosporidium is a parasite which latches onto human intestines and can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. Infections are normally caused when people drink contaminated supplies from the home or in swimming pools.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was working with local authorities to investigate the outbreak. South West Water (SWW) has confirmed the tests it has carried out on the quality of drinking water in Brixham have currently all come back clear.

South West Water said: "We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated." Bottled water stations handing out emergency supplies have meanwhile been set up for local residents.

The water company added: "Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consuming following new test results for cryptosporidium. We are issuing this as a precaution following small traces of the organism identified overnight and this morning. We are working with public health partners to urgently investigate the source.

"For those customers registered for Priority Services we will be delivering bottled water to your address. For all customers who have been issued with the Boil Water Notice you will receive an automatic payment of £15, as part of our Customer Promise when services are interrupted."

Susie Beever