What illness did Willow Clarke contract on her Cornwall holiday?

Willow Clarke contracted cryptosporidium, a parasite found in contaminated waterways.

How long was Willow Clarke ill after her Cornwall trip?

Willow Clarke was ill for 12 days with severe symptoms including vomiting and delirium.

What are the long-term effects of Willow's illness?

Willow now has a deep fear of the sea and refuses to paddle or go near the water after her traumatic experience.

Home / Health / Parasite scare: Girl, 7, traumatized by Cornwall sea holiday

Parasite scare: Girl, 7, traumatized by Cornwall sea holiday

27 Feb

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Summary

A seven-year-old girl suffered 12 days of agony after contracting a parasite.
She now refuses to go near the sea after the traumatic holiday experience.
The incident occurred during a family trip to Carlyon Bay, Cornwall last summer.

Parasite scare: Girl, 7, traumatized by Cornwall sea holiday

A family's summer holiday in Cornwall turned into a nightmare when seven-year-old Willow Clarke contracted a severe parasite, leaving her in agony for 12 days. The illness, identified as cryptosporidium, caused intense vomiting, weight loss, and delirium, forcing the family to cut their trip short.

Willow's mother, Alice, suspects her daughter contracted the bug after a brief 20-minute dip in the sea at Carlyon Bay. The infection led to Willow missing her aunt's wedding and has resulted in a lasting fear of the water, with the child now refusing to go near the sea.

The incident has amplified concerns surrounding the health risks associated with swimming in seas affected by sewage discharge. While South West Water stated they have no storm overflow at Carlyon Bay, the UK Health Security Agency notes that cryptosporidium can survive for extended periods in seawater.

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