A mother reveals that her seven-year-old daughter has developed a fear of the sea after falling ill with a parasite during a family trip to Cornwall last summer. Little Willow Clarke endured 12 days of severe symptoms, including frequent vomiting, weight loss, and delirium, before being diagnosed with cryptosporidium, a bug commonly found in contaminated water sources like the sea. Willow missed the opportunity to be a bridesmaid at her aunt’s wedding due to the illness.
This incident adds to concerns raised by campaigners about the health risks of swimming in the sea, particularly due to potential contamination from raw sewage. The story resonates with the case of eight-year-old Heather Preen, who tragically contracted e.coli during a beach trip in Devon in 1999, leading to her death. The family suspects sewage exposure as the cause, although denied by South West Water.
Alice Clarke recounts the day Willow fell ill at Carlyon Bay in Cornwall, emphasizing that Willow did not swallow any sea water during their brief time in the sea. Willow’s condition deteriorated rapidly, with persistent vomiting and exhaustion leading to dehydration. Despite medical consultations confirming cryptosporidium, Willow’s health began to improve after 12 days of suffering, averting the need for hospitalization.
Physically recovered, Willow still harbors emotional trauma from the experience, refusing to go near the sea or even paddle in it. Alice firmly believes that Willow’s infection was from the sea exposure, as there were no other plausible sources. The financial strain of caring for Willow during her illness also took a toll on Alice as a self-employed single parent.
South West Water denies responsibility for the incident, claiming no storm overflow at Carlyon Bay. However, the UK Health Security Agency suggests that cryptosporidium can survive in seawater for extended periods, posing ongoing risks. The impact of this incident on Willow and her family serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly harmless recreational activities.