Thames health warning issued after 300 swimmers taken ill

 
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: A competitor swims during the Challenge Henley-on-Thames Triathlon on September 16, 2012 in London, England.

A public health warning was issued today about the dangers of swimming in the Thames after more than 300 competitors in a race were taken ill.

An investigation by Public Health England said there was a risk of gastrointestinal illness such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

A total of 338 of about 1,000 competitors in the 2.2-mile Human Race from Hampton Court to Kingston bridge were taken ill last October. This prompted the investigation amid concerns of the potential dangers linked to the rise in popularity of “open water swimming” in rivers and lakes.

Today’s report has given the green light for this year’s race to take place as no single cause of illness in the swimmers could be identified. Four people were diagnosed with Giardia - believed to be the same stomach bug that left comedian David Wallians seriously ill when he swam the Thames for Comic Relief two years ago.

Today’s report found a link between the wearing of a wetsuit and becoming ill - suggesting that swimmers failed to wash themselves and their wetsuits properly after leaving the water and before eating.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, regional director for PHE London, said: “Many people may already be aware that swimming in natural rivers and lakes, which may not be designated bathing waters, carries a risk of picking up infections.

“Further research is needed... [but] there are practical measures swimmers can take to reduce the risk of illness, such as minimising the swimming of swallowing of river water, showeing soon after swimming and washing hands before eating.”

Gillian McVeigh of Human Race said that showers would be provided to allow swimmers to wash after exiting the river during this year’s race, on July 21. “It’s definitely good to hear that there isn’t a high risk or Public Health England would have advised people against swimming in the Thames,” she said.

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