Public Health Wales is currently investigating a suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium, a gastrointestinal infection, linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, south Wales. At least 28 individuals have reported falling ill after participating in calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions at the farm. The parasite, which resides in the faeces of infected animals, can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and weight loss in humans.

The farm has voluntarily ceased its petting and feeding activities as a precautionary measure and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Public Health Wales, alongside Cardiff and Vale Health Board, Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Shared Regulatory Services, is working to determine the source of the outbreak and to prevent further cases. The symptoms of cryptosporidium typically manifest between two to ten days after exposure and can persist for up to two weeks, with children and those with weakened immune systems being particularly susceptible.

In response to the outbreak, Su Mably, a Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, has advised anyone who visited the farm and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice from their GP. The farm initially issued a statement on its Facebook page announcing the temporary closure of its petting and feeding experiences due to 'unforeseen circumstances' and offered refunds to those who had booked sessions. However, the post has since been removed from the platform.

This incident highlights the potential health risks associated with close contact with farm animals, especially for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Public Health Wales continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Visitors to the farm are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms and to practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.

A suspected gas explosion in Alvaston, Derbyshire, has left a man hospitalized and a neighborhood in shock after the blast 'shook the entire street' late Tuesday evening. Emergency services were quick to respond to the incident on Eden Street, where the force of the explosion was felt nearly half a mile away, with residents describing the moment as akin to an 'earthquake'. The extent of the man's injuries remains unknown, as authorities work to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the area.

Footage from the scene captured the terrifying moment the explosion ripped through a terraced property, sending a massive plume of smoke into the air and affecting a passing car. In addition to the human casualty, a dog was injured in the blast and later rescued by search teams, receiving care from a veterinarian. The incident has prompted a coordinated response from Derbyshire Police and Fire and Rescue Services, with structural engineers evaluating the stability of adjacent properties, both of which have been evacuated as a precaution.

The community has come together in the wake of the explosion, with neighbors checking on one another and sharing their experiences of the harrowing event. One resident, Gill Jennings, recounted how the explosion 'made the ground shake' as she sat in her home, highlighting the widespread impact of the blast. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion begins, residents from 14 properties have been advised to stay away from their homes overnight for safety reasons.

Authorities have emphasized their commitment to determining the cause of the explosion and preventing future incidents. With emergency planning officers and utility representatives on site, the focus remains on making the area safe and supporting those affected. The Derbyshire community, while shaken, has shown resilience in the face of adversity, as recovery efforts continue and the investigation progresses.