PARENTS have been issued an urgent warning after a popular farm park closes amid deadly E.Coli outbreak fears.
Hobbledown Epsom announced that it would be shutting its doors as a “precautionary measure” after being notified of cases of the infection in guests who had visited the park.
BPMFeature at Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo in Surrey has been temporarily closed[/caption]
Four bacterial infections were reported in children which saw the Surrey adventure farm park and zoo temporarily close on July 28.
The park added that they had been in “close contact” with the local council as well as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
E.Coli is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning or serious infection.
In most cases, the symptoms of E.Coli infection resolve within a few days, but UKHSA said, in rare instances, serious complications can occur.
Children are especially vulnerable although anyone of any age can be affected by the illness.
Hobbledown told anyone with sickness or diarrhoea who visited the site from July 11 to stay at home for 48 hours until their symptoms cleared.
The family-friendly park is home to a variety of playgrounds and a zoo offering people the chance to see creatures such as camels, meerkats, wallabies and various birds of prey.
Nick De Candole, owner of Hobbledown, confirmed the park had voluntarily closed while tests are carried out and the cases are investigated.
No reopening date had been announced although he said he hoped to do this “as soon as possible”.
Mr De Candole said: “We have been informed by the UK Health Security Agency that a very small number of visitors to the Park developed symptoms and have now been confirmed as having a bacterial infection called E. coli.
“We immediately closed as a voluntary precaution.This is a thankfully rare event and most people with the bacterium will experience mild symptoms.
“However, very rarely these can become severe and Hobbledown will remain closed while tests are being carried out at the site and these all come back clear.
He added: “Anyone with tickets has been informed of the closure and will be offered a number of options to re-arrange or receive a full refund within five working days, plus 50% off their next visit.”
The outbreak comes just as the school holidays get into full swing – a peak time for the attraction.
Trish Mannes, regional deputy director for UKHSA South East, said: “We are investigating potential sources of these infections and precautionary public health measures are being put in place to help prevent further cases.
“STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) can cause illness ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. In a small number of people, it can lead to more serious outcomes.
“Whilst STEC is very infectious, the most effective way to prevent the spread of the illness is by following good hygiene.”
It added that alcohol gel is not effective in preventing E. coli infections.
UKHSA is advising anyone who has, or recently had, symptoms associated with E.coli since attending the farm to contact NHS 111.