INVESTIGATIONS ARE continuing into the possible cause of an outbreak of cryptosporidium in Cork following the hospitalisation of two children.
Extensive testing of the mains water supply in the suburb of Bishopstown showed mains water to be free of contamination.
A number of children have been affected by the bug and two schoolchildren were hospitalised with acute diarrhoea and vomiting, headache and stomach cramps in recent weeks.
The two children have since been released from hospital.
Cork City Council’s water services administrative officer Michael Sheehan said tests and sampling were carried out at a number of water locations in the Bishopstown area after the local authority was notified of the outbreak last Friday.
Laboratory results returned from Dublin yesterday showed mains water to be clear of contamination.
“Tests were carried out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in different locations, basically to rule out the presence of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
“All the results came back clear,” Mr Sheehan said.
Cryptosporidium usually enters water systems via human and animal waste but can also be passed from animal to person and from person to person.
It is found in water and food sources contaminated with the faeces of infected humans, cattle, and other mammals. The infectious form of the parasite is highly resistant to the levels of chlorine normally found in drinking water and swimming pools.
The infection caused by ingestion of the cryptosporidium parasite causes painful abdominal cramping and diarrhoea. Symptoms of infection include fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Symptoms appear on average between seven and 10 days after exposure and affect those with compromised immune systems in particular.
HSE South has been informed of the outbreak.