Monday, 24 September 2012
A further seven people have been clinically diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis and are linked to the outbreak associated with a swimming pool in Newport
Forty four cases of cryptosporidiosis have been diagnosed across the Gwent area since the middle of August including the 14 cases linked to Newport Centre Swimming Pool.
Newport Centre Swimming Pool was closed immediately by Newport City Council when informed of a potential problem on 6 September. It currently remains closed and a thorough investigation is being carried out on the operating system of the pool, including its filtration system and any measures necessary to ensure its safe operation will be in place before it reopens.
Dr Lika Nehaul, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said: “Ongoing investigations have identified a further seven people who have become unwell since mid-August and have visited the swimming pool at the Newport Centre.
“I would like to remind the public that anyone with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting must wash their hands after using the toilet or before preparing food to avoid the spread of infection to others. Anyone with such symptoms should stay away from work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
“No one should go swimming in any venue while they have diarrhoea or vomiting, nor until 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped.
“Anyone who is diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis should wait two weeks after their diarrhoea has stopped before using any swimming pool.”
Sheila Davies, Newport City Council’s corporate director for Regeneration and the Environment, said: “We would like to reassure residents that their health protection at our facilities is of paramount importance. As soon as it came to light that there were cases potentially linked to the pool, we took immediate action and closed the pool.
“The pool will remain closed until we are 100 per cent satisfied that everything is in order and the risk to those using the facility is minimal.
“Newport City Council would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.”
Anyone who is unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms is advised to contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
More information on cryptosporidiosis is available from the Public Health Wales website at: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/44044
See also:
Source:
Public Health Wales
