THE parasites that prompted the closure of the Oasis have caused at least 30 people to fall ill in Swindon so far, with a third of those cases potentially linked to the popular pool.

Swindon Borough Council, Public Health England and the pool operators GLL have established an outbreak control team in an effort to tackle the issue.

The reported cases date back to June which will inevitably add further pressure on authorities to explain why the decision to close the pool was not taken until August.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites – cryptosporidium – that can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal.

Both the disease and the parasite are commonly known as ‘crypto.’

Although crypto is always more prevalent over the spring and summer months, the south west has seen a particularly noticeable spike this year with 87 cases confirmed since June.

Some 30 of the confirmed cases are in Swindon but the anecdotal online response suggests there may be many more.

Mum Emma Killingback says she warned the council three weeks ago about the Oasis pool.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, consultant in communicable diseases for Public Health England South West, said: “The PHE South West Health Protection Team is working closely with local authority colleagues in the region, including Swindon, to investigate possible sources of infection.

“We are taking appropriate control measures where necessary to help prevent further cases.

“We have had confirmed reports of cryptosporidium infection amongst a number of people who visited the Oasis swimming pool between late May and early July, therefore a team of experts is undertaking necessary water sampling to ensure the safety of the swimming pool for all users.

“The swimming pool is one of a number of possible exposures that we are exploring.

“We would like to reassure the public that we have only had reports of these cases, and if other visitors to swimming pools have had similar symptoms to contact their GP.”

Dr Ayo Oyinloye, consultant in public health for Swindon Borough Council said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sympathies to anyone who has been affected by cryptosporidiosis in Swindon and to assure the public that everything is being done to address this issue.

“The bug can survive even in properly chlorinated swimming pools and the illness can also be caused by animal and human contact.

“A third of the 30 confirmed cases in Swindon since June are potentially linked to swimming at the Oasis pool, which has resulted in its closure as a precautionary measure.

“GLL, who run the pool, are fully co-operating and the pool has been shut voluntarily whilst the pool water is drained to address any problem.”

Despite the outbreak, all those involved in the response are encouraging people to continue swimming.

Dr Oyinloye added: “People are encouraged to continue swimming as normal because it’s a healthy and enjoyable activity, particularly for children during the summer holidays.

“We also urge people to keep practising good hygiene, including showering thoroughly before entering the water and, if you have diarrhoea, to avoid swimming until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.”