The alert launched at the end of last week is still relevant and the number of patients has even increased. This Wednesday, the regional health agency (ARS) Paca reported twenty-two cases of cryptosporidiosis diagnosed, twelve more than Friday, in an identified sector in the west of the Alpes-Maritimes department. In Saint-Cézaire, Peymeinade, Le Tignet, Spéracèdes and Cabris, it is recommended not to consume tap water, the authorities fearing contamination of the networks with the parasite responsible for this infection of the digestive tract. Like in 2019.
“To date, the results of analyzes have not revealed the presence of cryptosporidium in the water network of the five municipalities concerned. Nevertheless, the detection of this parasite in water being difficult, additional analyzes are in progress”, notes the ARS Paca, which “maintains the measures to restrict the use of water”.
Potentially severe in an immunocompromised person
In the area concerned, if it can still be used for cooking food, showering and household uses, tap water should not be consumed unless boiled for at least two minutes, recalls the public establishment.
Cryptosporidiosis can cause diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fatigue and mild fever. Generally mild, it can be more severe in an immunocompromised person. To date, among the twenty-two cases diagnosed, the Regional Health Agency has not noted “for the moment no aggravating factor or any hospitalization linked to this episode”.