Cryptosporidium

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The situation in Galway

Galway people instructed to boil water over fears of a cryptosporidium outbreak

Thousands of people in Galway are instructed to boil their water over fears that it is contaminated with waterborne parasite Cryptosporidium. This follows an increase in the number of people in parts of Galway city and county suffering ill effects including diarrhoea. It is believed that their illness is as a result of ingesting the cryptosporidium parasite.

A joint statement was issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE), Galway County Council and Galway City Council advising the public to boil water used for human consumption until further notice as a precautionary measure. The areas to which the notice applies to include Galway city, Barna, Carnmore, Athenry, Claregalway, Corofin, Headford, Lackagh, Oranmore, Tuam and Turloughmore.

The statement said that water used for drinking, preparation of salads and similar foods which are not cooked prior to eating, brushing teeth and making ice should be boiled.

Domestic water filters will NOT render water safe to drink.

What is Cryptosporidium?

Cryptosporidium is a debilitating and highly infectious stomach bug which is most commonly caught through drinking infected water. Symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a high fever. It can be particularly serious for young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

What to do

Sufferers are advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Anyone suffering from diarrhoea for more than two days should contact their GP to provide a stool sample for testing. In addition, sufferers are advised to limit their contact with children and animals and to wash their hands thoroughly before undertaking any food preparation.

Making a claim

For further information, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or by filling out an Online Enquiry Form. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in this area.