Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is one of the main causes of holiday illness abroad in package holiday hotels. Anyone who suffers illness as a result of contracting cryptosporidium should consider making a claim for compensation when they return to the UK.

If you have suffered this infection during your holiday or on return from your holiday, contact Anne Thomson, Head of Travel Law and Holiday Illness Claims at Farnworth Rose Solicitors. Says
Anne, who has over 25 years´ experience of handling holiday illness compensation claims:

“Holidays can be completely ruined by illness. Cryptosporidium infects many holidaymakers especially those who spend time in their hotel swimming pool. If you want to make a claim for compensation, contact me on: 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form for free information and advice.”

The main causes of cryptosporidium infection include:

• Ingesting contaminated food or water
• Swallowing infected water or infected swimming  pool water
• By drinking infected or untreated milk and eating undercooked or raw meat

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a gastric infection which is caused by the parasite, cryptosporidium. As the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive for long periods of time outside the body and is resistant to chlorine in swimming pools.

What are the symptoms of cryptosporidium infection?

Common symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include loose or watery stools, stomach cramps and fever, although it is possible to carry cryptosporidium infection without suffering any symptoms.

How long is cryptosporidium likely to last?

Symptoms commonly last up to two weeks but you could continue to pass the parasite in your stool for up to two months. During this period, infection could spread to others.

Can cryptosporidium infection be prevented?

In order to prevent cryptosporidium infection, holidaymakers should:

• Wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet
• Avoid undercooked meat and local tap water
• Refuse to swim in dirty swimming pools although you should note that cryptosporidium can infect even the cleanest of swimming pools
• Wash and peel all fruit and vegetables before eating them
• Avoid drinking any water from rivers or lakes

How is cryptosporidiosis treated?

There is no completely effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis and most people who are healthy will recover naturally within two weeks. People with a weakened immune system however are more likely to suffer serious illness and it is important not to become dehydrated or treatment via an intravenous drip may be necessary. Specific treatment will be based upon the severity of your symptoms and your overall health and medical history.

Mrs Bexton and family of five were all taken ill at the Holiday Village, Sarigerme, Turkey in 2009. Four of the group suffered gastric illness and a fifth contracted cryptosporidium from contaminated swimming pool water. We managed to obtain compensation for all members of the party. Mrs Bexton said she would have “no hesitation in recommending Farnworth Rose” as a result of the service she received.  The compensation awarded totalled £8,363.