Spike in UK cases of parasite tummy bug that can last MONTHS as parents given summer holiday warning

BRITS were today urged to take extra precautions abroad after cases of a diarrhoea causing parasite hit a decade high. The infection, often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, sickened 6,069 people in the UK last year, health chiefs said. Last year, Helen Wardle, from Plymouth, contracted multiple highly-contagious bacterial infections – including Shigella, Cryptosporidium and Giarda – while on holiday in Cape Verde It marks a rise of more than 40 per cent on the 4,290 cases reported in 2016 and 11 per cent on the 2024, where 5,450 cases were logged. The highly infectious parasite stomach bug, giardiasis, causes diarrhoea, bloating, burping, wind and weight loss. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! But, in rare untreated cases, children with the infection can suffer malnutrition and stunted growth. Officials at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warned the rise may in part be due to increased travel since the Covid pandemic or better testing. They urged people, however, not to go swimming until at leats two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped. Parents must also contact their GP or NHS 111 if they or their children are ill with dehydration, or if diarrhoea worsens or lasts longer than 3 days. Nicola Love, senior food safety surveillance lead at UKHSA, said: “We are seeing a rise in giardiasis in the UK. “Symptoms can last from weeks to several months and if left untreated, it can cause serious complications especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.” Most read in Health According to the UKHSA, of the 2025 cases, London reported the highest number (1,568), followed by North West (1,029) and South East (977). The North East recorded the fewest, with 217. Cases peaked in autumn, with the highest number of reports in October (599 cases), followed by September (580 cases) and November (574 cases). Infections are being seen in people returning from Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Africa and South America, officials said. Those travelling should drink bottled water and eat cooked food rather than raw items, such as salads that have been washed in tap water. Giardia infection can be picked up in the UK as well as overseas, and is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with infected people or animals. In rare untreated cases, children with the infection can suffer malnutrition and stunted growth Credit: Getty It is often caused by swallowing untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams or unverified public supplies and the UKHSA advised people to stop swimming in rivers or lakes when abroad. The infection can also be sexually transmitted. Ms Love added: “There are some simple precautions everyone can take to reduce their risk, whether you are planning an autumn getaway somewhere warm or staying in the UK. “Good hygiene can help prevent giardiasis and other common gastro illnesses. “Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing nappies, and before preparing food. “Encourage children to wash their hands regularly too. “If you have a giardia infection, continue to hydrate yourself and see your GP – do not go swimming until two weeks after your diarrhoea has stopped. “Parents should contact their GP or NHS 111 if they or their children are ill with dehydration, or if diarrhoea worsens or lasts longer than three days.” It comes as British tourists earlier this year told of the cocktail of stomach bugs they’ve experienced visiting Cape Verde. Eight Brit holidaymakers have died and more than 2,000 are now taking legal action against TUI, lawyers said. Victims claim they have been hit by stomach illnesses, including shigella, salmonella, cryptosporidium, giardia and campylobacter, with some left with crippling symptoms and unable to work. Helen Wardle described her Cape Verde holiday last year as the “worst and scariest experience”. After flying back to the UK, urgent medical tests confirmed she had contracted multiple highly-contagious bacterial infections – including shigella, cryptosporidium and giarda. Red flags to look out for in your child Infections, like colds and flu, and tummy bugs that cause diarrhoea and vomiting, are very common in babies and children. Thankfully, most will make a full recovery without needing treatment. However, you should phone 999 or go to A&E if they: Stop breathing or have pauses in their breathing Have severe difficulty breathing, such as grunting or noisy breathing Look seriously unwell – e.g. they are very pale, grey, or white, or have mottling (pale patchy skin with a purple tinge) on their arms, legs or body Aren’t showing a normal colour of skin, lips and tongue – e.g. very pale, blue or purple Aren’t awake and can’t be wakened, or are very difficult to waken Are breathing very rapidly, even when resting and when not upset or crying Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee Have yellow-green or green vomit May have swallowed something poisonous Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights Have a sudden, severe headache Have a sudden, severe stomach ache Are confused or not responding as usual Ultimately, you know your child best. Always trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help if you think there’s an emergency. Source: NHS Comment now