Nearly 50,000 inhabitants of Grasse and its surroundings are still subject to restrictions on the use of tap water, three months after the start of the largest episode of cryptosporidiosis ever recorded in France, said the Regional Health Agency (ARS) ) Thursday.
Since October 15, 155 people with cryptosporidiosis, whose symptoms are similar to those of gastroenteritis, have been reported, according to the agency, which did not register any new cases in January.
“This episode on Grasse is the largest in France by the number of people affected by the restrictions on the use of tap water,” the agency was told. “The exact origin remains to be defined even if we are sure that it is a contamination by water”.
Since December, a prefectoral decree requires boiling water before being able to drink it and using it to cook or wash your teeth, and to consume bottled water for immunocompromised people and infants.
In Grasse, more than 50,000 1.5-liter bottles were distributed by the Suez company, according to the town hall, which has just recommended more than 16,000 bottles for distribution to the frail, infants and the elderly.
The municipal swimming pool of Grasse remains open thanks to a treatment of bathing water, slightly superchlorinated but the practice of baby swimmers has been suspended as a precaution since mid-November.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite naturally present in the environment. It was able to contaminate the supply network following the heavy rains at the end of 2019.
The first case was identified on October 7. Very contagious, cryptosporidiosis is acquired by direct contact or by consuming contaminated water or food. Generally mild, it results in severe stomach aches, fatigue and a slight fever.
– .
