Warning of parasite outbreak passed on from animals

People on the Isle of Man have been warned about a "substantial outbreak" of an illness passed to humans from farm animals, contaminated food and soil.

Cryptosporidiosis, which is a parasite, has similar symptoms to food poisoning and usually goes away on its own, but can prove more serious for vulnerable people, Public Health Isle of Man said.

Several cases have been seen among young children between the ages of one and eight, with the island's health body since stressing the importance of good hand hygiene.

With lambing season fast approaching, the body has also advised those visiting Manx farms to not touch the animals or eat food which has dropped on the ground.

The illness can also be passed to humans through contaminated wild water sources, cattle and goats and can live on surfaces in the home like chairs and doors for several months, Gemma Jones, the island's public health registar, said.

The amount of cases seen in this most recent outbreak is unknown.

Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis can include profuse watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, low-grade fever and loss of appetite which can lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Those with symptoms are urged to visit their GP for a test.

"Cryptosporidiosis tends to be extended, compared to other diarhoea illnesses as it can go on for longer, normally two weeks - it can subside and then come back," Jones said.

"It can be really nasty, especially with younger children."

Those affected are also dissuaded from swimming for two weeks after symptoms have cleared - with the illness being immune to chlorine and thriving in damp areas.

Public Health Isle of Man said those infected should stay off school or work and most people will recover within one month.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.