Cryptosporidiosis causes diarrhea and stomach aches that can last for several weeks. 38 people were poisoned in the south-east of France between October 7 and November 12.
38 people poisoned in the south-east of France between October 7 and November 12. All were contaminated by a parasite: cryptosporidium. Health authorities are currently carrying out investigations on tap water.
An unknown disease in humans until the 1980s
“This parasite is naturally present in the environment”, specifies a press release from the ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur published on November 15, 2019. There are two ways of being contaminated: either by contact with a human or an animal carrying the parasite or by consuming contaminated water or food. “It is a poorly known parasite in humans until the 1980s, explains Professor Pierre Marty to Nice morning. Veterinarians, on the other hand, know it well because it is responsible for diarrhea in kids and calves. We started in the 80s to have cases in humans showing a drop in immunity.
Diarrhea, vomiting and severe stomach aches
Those infected suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fatigue and fever. In some cases, people are infected without feeling any of these signals. When one is in good health, the recovery is spontaneous, even if the symptoms can last several weeks. In immunocompromised people, the disease can have more serious consequences. If diarrhea persists, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
The suspected tap water
Is it tap water that caused these numerous contaminations? The ARS is carrying out investigations on the drinking water networks and on possible damage to the pipes. The results will be available within a few days. During this time, the water remains controlled and as no anomaly has so far been detected, no consumption restriction has been put in place, specifies the ARS.
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