A mother shares that her seven-year-old daughter now avoids going near the sea after contracting a parasite while on a family trip to Cornwall last summer. Little Willow Clarke recalls enduring 12 days of intense pain, with symptoms including frequent vomiting, weight loss, and delirium.
Willow was diagnosed with cryptosporidium, a bug commonly found in human and animal waste that can contaminate water sources like swimming areas and fresh produce. Her mother, Alice, suspects Willow caught the parasite while swimming in the sea.
The illness was so severe that Willow had to miss being a bridesmaid at her aunt’s wedding, a moment she had eagerly anticipated. This incident comes at a time of increased concern about health risks associated with swimming in the sea due to reports of sewage discharge by water companies.
Alice, a self-employed cleaner turned special needs teaching assistant, described the day Willow fell ill after their brief sea encounter. Despite Willow not ingesting any water, she soon showed signs of fatigue and developed a high fever later that night. The vomiting persisted for 12 days, causing dehydration and distress.
After seeking medical help, Willow was diagnosed with cryptosporidium, and her condition eventually improved. However, the traumatic experience left lasting mental scars on Willow, who now avoids the sea altogether, a drastic change for the family who used to enjoy beach outings.
Alice firmly believes that Willow’s illness was a direct result of swimming in the sea, as there were no other plausible explanations. The financial strain of caring for Willow during her illness added to the family’s challenges, highlighting the broader impact of such incidents.
South West Water expressed regret over the situation but denied any direct responsibility. There remains a possibility that the parasite originated from sources other than the beach. Studies suggest that cryptosporidium can survive in seawater for an extended period, raising concerns about water safety in coastal areas.