A recent outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Queenstown, New Zealand, has led to a boil water notice being issued for the area. Cryptosporidiosis is cau
A recent outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Queenstown, New Zealand, has led to a boil water notice being issued for the area. Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the protozoa cryptosporidium, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. While the exact source of the outbreak is yet to be determined, parasitologist Bruce Russell from Otago University suggests that animal waste, potentially from sheep, may be contaminating the water supply.
Russell noted that the timing of the outbreak coincides with lambing season, making it more likely that infected animal waste has entered water sources, leading to water contamination. He emphasized that such outbreaks should not occur in the water supply, and addressing this issue could be challenging, as cryptosporidium is highly infectious and difficult to treat with traditional water treatment methods like chlorine.
Local residents affected by the outbreak have had to seek alternative sources of drinking water, as the tap water has been deemed unsafe due to the parasite. While this solution helps mitigate the issue, it highlights the inconvenience of not having access to clean and safe tap water, especially in an area known for its pristine water sources.
more infro: https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2023/09/20/cryptosporidium-outbreak-in-queenstown-expert-reaction/
