Warning to Brits holidaying in Spain over 'crypto parasite' with horror symptoms

14 October 2023 , 10:37

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HSE officials are now warning holidaymakers to take extra precautions against a 'crypto parasite' (stock) (Image: Getty Images)

An urgent warning has been released to Brits heading abroad as a "crypto parasite" is causing horrid bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea.

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued the urgent warning to anyone heading to or from Spain, particularly those returning from Salou, Catalonia. Irish holidaymakers were confirmed as suffering from cryptosporidiosis. The illness, commonly referred to as crypto and caused by a parasite, causes "watery diarrhoea" but can also lead to dehydration, stomach cramps, nausea, fever and weight loss. The HSE has since warned the infection can spread through holidaymakers making their way to or from the European holiday hotspot.

HSE guidelines suggest frequent handwashing and avoiding particular foods (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The illness is passed through drinking tap water, handling food, particularly raw meat products and from live animals. Travellers are now being advised by the health body to wash their hands frequently and even ditch ice cubes from their drinks on the off chance the dangerous bacteria is in the water. HSE representatives are now asking holidaymakers to proceed with caution and to avoid undercooked shellfish and dodgy street vendors, MyLondon reported. They should also keep an eye on hygiene ratings for restaurants they may dine at.

Those who have had the illness are asked not to go swimming in shared pools for at least a fortnight after the symptoms are fully cleared. The bug is resistant to chlorine, and for those with compromised immune systems, the illness can cause havoc. For healthy people, crypto often clears up in a week or two, but can last far longer in weaker immune systems.

Beers and wine are "generally safe" for consumption according to official guidance from the HSE, as well as hot drinks and bottled mineral water. The warnings were aimed at Irish holidaymakers travelling to and from Spain, with a scourge of bedbugs also reported in other parts of the country. Bedbugs were so far spotted in two cities, spreading from Paris into London and Manchester. The Mirror previously reported the grim infestations, which saw a bus in Manchester seemingly carrying the bedbugs which had overrun bedrooms and homes all through Paris.

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Rafi Mauro-Benady