More than 450 people have fallen ill in a Spanish town after drinking and using contaminated water.
Since the beginning of September, public health officials in Tarazona, Zaragoza province, have reported 452 cases of the illness. Most patients have mild illness, with symptoms including diarrhea, sometimes vomiting and fever.
Analysis by an independent laboratory commissioned by the Tarazona Council confirmed the presence of the Cryptosporidium parasite in the Quailes River. Cryptosporidium has also been found in patient samples.
Council staff and public health are working to find out where the water contamination comes from, how and where it occurs so that the problem can be eradicated. At least 45,000 liters of bottled water have been distributed to residents and schools.
Ongoing measures
Tarazona Mayor Antonio Jarre called for understanding and patience so that efforts can continue to resolve the issue and things can return to normal as quickly as possible.
We have contacted companies and researchers from the Universities of Madrid, Valencia and Zaragoza, where Cryptosporidium experts are present, for advice on control measures. Conservation officers from the Government of Aragon and SEPRONA members of the National Guard were also involved.
Measures taken by the authorities include on-site inspections of river basins, cleaning of water tanks, disinfection of specific systems and consideration of new water treatment methods and equipment.
People are advised not to drink tap water or use it for cooking until further notice.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidium usually begin 2 to 10 days after infection with the parasite. They include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss, usually lasting one to two weeks.
Meanwhile, another outbreak in a Colombian town has also been linked to contaminated water.
Earlier this month, there was an outbreak of hepatitis A in Dagua, with a total of 73 cases.
While water sample results are pending, officials said epidemiological information suggests the water was contaminated. The investigation found that one of the four aqueducts was contaminated with human waste. Hepatitis A virus is mainly spread when food or water contaminated by the feces of an infected person is consumed.
Some patients were hospitalized, but the outbreak was declared over.
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