Warning of health risk for Irish tourists visiting popular Spanish resort

A warning remains in place about increased levels of cryptosporidiosis, a severe stomach bug, reported from areas of Spain, particularly Salou in Catalonia.

The warning remains in place on the Department of Foreign Affairs website as peak holiday season arrives.

The HSE is advising people to take extra hygiene precautions when travelling in this area. More information can be found on the HSE’s website here. 

According to the HSE, Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a microscopic parasite (Cryptosporidium). Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the stool.

The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants.

It can survive temperatures greater than 70oC. It is found (particularly in water) through the world.

Cryptosporidium lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of parasites can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. It is therefore found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with human or animal faeces. It is a common cause of waterborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. 

The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhoea. Other symptoms include:

• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some people with cryptosporidiosis will have no symptoms at all.

Cryptosporidium can be quite contagious. These simple measures will reduce the likelihood of spread:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.
• Do not swim in recreational water (pools, hot tubs, lakes or rivers, etc.) if you have cryptosporidiosis and for at least 2 weeks after diarrhoea stops. Cryptosporidium can be spread in a chlorinated pool because it is resistant to chlorine.