A public health officer said he was confident the parasite outbreak in waters had been brought under control, but warned people could still get sick for up to two weeks.
Dr Sergeant Lincoln, Torbay's director of public health, said Brixham's first Cryptosporidium outbreak was “more or less managed” by people boiling their tap water and handing out bottled water. Ta.
Brixham's local councilor Anthony Mangnall said SWW's response to the outbreak was “disrespectful and generally incompetent”.
Southwest Water (SWW) estimates that approximately 16,000 homes and businesses were damaged.
Dr Sgt said SWW is currently working to prevent further contamination from occurring, but due to the nature of the disease, people could continue to develop symptoms for the next 10 days to two weeks.
SWW said it had identified a damaged valve on private property as a possible source of contamination. The faulty valve has since been disconnected from the network and repaired, and the company said it is continuing to investigate.
The newspaper said people were advised to keep their water boiled and additional bottled water collection points had been set up at Freshwater Quarry, three car parks in Broadsands and a car boot sale in Churston.
Members of the public and MPs Mr Mangnall have been harshly critical of SWW's response to the outbreak, with many telling the BBC they felt there had been a lack of communication.
Sergeant Dr Lincoln warned people could still feel unwell for two weeks. [BBC]
Speaking on BBC R4's Today programme, Dr Sergeant said the parasite was “unpleasant but self-limiting” to those infected.
“It's important for listeners to realize that initial contamination is more or less addressed by boil water notices and bottled water,” he said.
“We know that Southwest Water is currently actively working to clean the system to ensure that no ongoing contamination occurs.”
“The number may increase.”
On Friday, the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) announced 46 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidium, with more than 100 others reporting symptoms.
“It is important to be aware that symptoms may continue to develop for up to 10 days after initial exposure, and for some people up to two weeks,” Dr. Sgt.
“So while the numbers may increase, it doesn't necessarily mean the situation is getting worse.”
The sergeant added that people would no longer be asked to come forward for testing.
“There is a big problem with the response.”
Mr Mangnall, Tory MP for Totnes, which also covers Brixham, said the anger in the town was “palpable”.
He said SWW initially denied the issue had anything to do with the company, and even advised people on Tuesday that tap water was safe to drink.
The next day, SWW chiefs reversed that advice and urged people to boil their water before using it.
Mr Mangnall said: “The main failure was that South West Water was asked earlier in the week whether this related to its network and categorically denied it, but changed its position 24 hours later. I think this is disrespectful and generally incompetent, but it is putting the health of many people at risk.
“To me, this is one of the most serious accusations because they were informed by a number of people, including myself, who brought this case together, so they actually did it in a way that protects public health. They didn't respond. I think it's very problematic.”
“The worst disease of my life”
Some Brixham residents said they had been taken to hospital because of the parasites.
Kayleigh Lewis said her 13-year-old son was taken to A&E after blood was found in his vomit, while she said he had lost eight pounds (3.6kg) in the six days since he became unwell. .
Another resident, Bryon Freer, said developing symptoms caused by the parasite was the “worst illness” he had experienced in his adult life.
“It put me in bed for five days, but I'm someone who rarely catches a cold,” Freer said.
Higher Brixham resident Ian Lomas said the outbreak and the way SWW was handling it had had a “terrible” impact on his family.
He said most of his relatives suffered severe symptoms after the outbreak, including his 3-year-old granddaughter.
Mr Lomas, 65, said: “South West Water was too slow to admit liability and communicated poorly.”
Cecilia Forde said she feels “worried” about the spread of infection. [BBC]
Cecilia Forde, who has a weakened immune system due to myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), said she had to call SWW to have bottled water delivered to her. .
She said she found the whole situation “unsettling.”
“I couldn't even make a cup of tea. To be honest, my immune system is a bit compromised with ME and CFS so it made me a bit worried.”
A SWW spokesperson said the company regrets the impact of the outbreak and is working with the UKHSA and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the contamination.
South West Water's director of drought and recovery, David Harris, said on Saturday that the holding tank at Hillhead Reservoir, where testing earlier this week confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium, had been emptied.
He added that a deep clean will be carried out on Saturday.
“Once completed, we will begin refilling the water tanks later today,” Harris said.
“Drinking Water Inspection Service personnel are also on site to monitor progress and daily testing continues to be carried out at points across our network.”
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