Gastrointestinal infections cases rise

Cavan has been the location of 19 cases of cryptosporidiosis infections since the start of the year, prompting the HSE to warn rural households to be wary regarding their water supply and contact with animals.

To date in 2021, there have been 36 cases of cryptosporidiosis infections in the North-East region, which compared to 13 cases of cryptosporidiosis for the corresponding time in 2020. This is an increase of 177% in the number of cases reported.

The majority of the cases have been in rural areas of Cavan (19 cases) and Monaghan (12 cases).

The Health Protection Team (HPT) in the Department of Public Health, HSE North East is advising the public to take extra care when in contact with farm animals following the increase in the numbers of cryptosporidiosis and VTEC (E. coli) infections in recent weeks.

The majority of the infections have occurred in children under the age of ten.

Parents and caregivers of children attending crèches and primary schools are advised to monitor their children to see if they develop the symptoms of diarrhoea, particularly if they notice any blood in stools, as they should seek prompt medical attention with their GP, or GP out of hours service.