The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a fresh alert to people in England about a summer infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium, which leads to cryptosporidiosis. The agency warned that children aged one to five are particularly at risk, with symptoms including severe watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. These symptoms typically last around two weeks and often follow a pattern of improvement followed by worsening before full recovery.
How Children Contract Cryptosporidiosis
According to the UKHSA, children commonly contract cryptosporidiosis by swallowing contaminated water while swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers, or through contact with infected faeces during farm visits. The agency emphasised prevention through frequent handwashing, teaching children not to swallow swimming water, thoroughly washing fruit and vegetables, and maintaining good hygiene at home—washing clothes and towels on hot cycles of 60°C or higher if someone becomes infected.
Other Summer Infections to Watch For
In addition to cryptosporidiosis, the UKHSA warned about infections from Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which are common in summer. These cause stomach issues such as diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, and fever. Transmission occurs through undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products like raw milk, unwashed vegetables, direct contact with animals on farms or at petting zoos, and contaminated water. Most children recover within one to two weeks, but STEC can rarely cause serious kidney problems.
The UKHSA recommends handwashing after using the bathroom and touching animals, thorough cooking of meat, proper food storage, and careful handling of raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Tick-Borne Diseases
The agency also highlighted tick bites as a hazard in spring and summer, potentially causing Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Ticks are found in rural areas like forests and fields, as well as green spaces such as city parks and gardens. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a 'bullseye' rash appearing 3 to 30 days after a bite, along with flu-like symptoms and fatigue. The UKHSA advises seeking medical help if symptoms occur.
