THIRTEEN people have now tested positive following an outbreak of a sickness bug.

Public Health Wales along with Torfaen and Monmouthshire councils are continuing to investigate an outbreak of cryptosporidium associated with Coleg Gwent’s farm in Usk.

The Argus reported earlier this month that seven people had tested positive for the bug with 16 others suspected of having it after regular attendance at the farm or contact with those who have it.

A series of open day visits for primary school children were cancelled following the outbreak.

A spokeswoman for Public Health Wales said: “The outbreak control team at Public Health Wales is continuing to work with Coleg Gwent and confirmed that 13 people have now tested positive for cryptosporidium and test results are awaited for a number of others after they had regular attendance at the farm or contact with those who have.”

Letters have been sent to all students who may have been on the farm in March and a series of open days that were due to take place with invited primary schools last week were cancelled.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is very common in young farm animals and can easily be passed to people who come into contact with those animals.

It causes watery diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and can last for up to a month, but people will usually make a full recovery from the virus.

She added: “They have put in place a number of recommended control measures which include limiting college students’ access to animals when they return next week.”

"There is no reason for anyone to avoid visiting petting farms as long as they ensure that anyone who has touched animals, thoroughly washes their hands with hot water and soap immediately afterwards and before eating, as hand sanitisers or alcoholic gels should not be solely relied upon.

"Cryptosporidium is acquired by four main routes: from other people, from animals and their faeces, from untreated drinking water contaminated by either agricultural or human sewage sources, and from swimming in contaminated water."

Anyone who is unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms is advised to contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.