Crypotosporidiosis
The Health
Service Executive South Eastern Area has advised Carlow County
Council to issue a boil water notice for the Carlow Town area.
This came about because of an increase in cases of human
cryptosporidiosis in the past two months; 26 to date. The
Public Health Department has been investigating this increase
and is following up the cases concerned. It has become apparent
that the common risk factor is exposure to water from the Carlow
Town water supply. On this basis the Public Health Department
issued the boil water advice as a precautionary measure.
The
Public Health Department is continuing to investigate the
cryptosporidiosis outbreak and is liasing with Carlow County
Council on an ongoing basis. Dr. Orlaith O’Reilly, Director of
Public Health says, “Cryptosporidiosis can cause diarrhoeal
illness that can last for two weeks, accompanied by cramps,
vomiting, fatigue and a slightly raised temperature. People
suffering with diarrhoea for more than two days should visit
their GP and bring a stool sample so that tests can be
undertaken.”
Elderly people, immuno-suppressed people and small babies are
particularly vulnerable. It is vital that anyone suffering from
diarrhoea should wash their hands with soap and hot water and
dry hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet,
dealing with sick people or changing a babies nappy. It is
essential to wash hands before preparing or serving foods or
before eating.
Everybody using water from the Carlow Town supply should boil it
before using it for:
Bring
the water to the boil and allow to cool, cover and store in a
cool place. Domestic water filters to not make the water safe.
Discard ice-cubes previously made.
Babies’ feeds should be prepared with cooled, boiled water. Do
not use water that has been reboiled several times and do not
use bottled mineral water, as the concentration of minerals in
many brands is too high for babies. Unboiled water can be used
for personal hygiene, domestic chores, bathing and flushing
toilets.
Issued by Audrey Lambourn, Communications Department, 056
7784100 or 086 221 5826
Notes:
Carlow County Council has established a Freephone Helpline on
1800 242 549
