Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium causes many cases of illness in holiday hotels abroad.

Holidaymakers who suffer symptoms of Cryptosporidium during a holiday in a package holiday hotel abroad can claim compensation when they return to the UK, providing the negligence of the tour operator or hotelier was to blame.  In some holiday destinations local law dictates that swimming pools should be free of cryptosporidium and other infections which means that fault does not have to be proven if the swimming pool was the source of the infection.

Anne Thomson, Head of our Holiday Illness Compensation Claims Department at Farnworth Rose, says: “Holidays can be completely ruined by illness and Cryptosporidium can cause nasty symptoms of diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Cryptosporidium is typically contracted from ingesting contaminated food or water. If you have become ill abroad with Cryptosporidium and you were staying in a package holiday hotel, call me on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.”

The main sources of Cryptosporidium are:

• Contaminated food or liquids.
• Contaminated water from the swimming pool.

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a gastric infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium which can survive for long periods outside the body. The parasite is protected by an outer shell which is resistant to chlorine in swimming pools which explains why so many holidaymakers contract the infection through swimming pool water.

What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidium?

Symptoms of Cryptosporidium often include loose stools, stomach cramps and nausea. It is also possible to carry the Cryptosporidium parasite without suffering any symptoms.

How long do symptoms of Cryptosporidium last?

Symptoms of Cryptosporidium usually last up to two weeks but the parasite can continue being passed in a person´s stool for up to two months. During this time infection can be passed to others.

Can Cryptosporidium be prevented?

Cryptosporidium infection is preventable and holidaymakers should always:

• Wash hands after using the bathroom.
• Never eat undercooked meat or poultry.
• Never use a swimming pool if it appears to be dirty or the water is murky and try to avoid swallowing pool water even if the pool appears clean as even the cleanest of pools may contain cryptosporidium oocysts.
• Avoid fruit unless you have peeled it yourself.

How is Cryptosporidiosis treated?

Cryptosporidiosis normally clears up naturally within a few weeks and there is no specific treatment for symptoms. It is vital, however, not to become dehydrated or patients may need treatment via an intravenous drip. A doctor may prescribe a particular treatment depending on the severity of the illness and a person’s general medical history. People with weakened immune systems are most likely to suffer severe illness as a result of contracting Cryptosporidiosis.

Mrs Bexton and her family of five all became ill at the Holiday Village, Sarigerme, Turkey in 2009 with gastric illness.  One member of the family contracted Cryptosporidium.  We managed to obtain compensation for all members of the party totalling £8,363 and Mrs Bexton said she ´would have no hesitation in recommending Farnworth Rose´ as a result of the service she received from Anne Thomson.