People living in a seaside town in Devon are being urged to boil their tap water before use after the outbreak of a highly infectious virus.
South West Water has issued the notice to residents in two areas of Brixham after the UK Health Security Agency confirmed there had been 22 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium.
The figure is likely to rise further, warned the agency, with more reported cases under investigation.
Cryptosporidium is a diarrhea and vomitting illness that can be caused by drinking contaminated water. It can also be caught through animal and human contact.
In a statment, South West Water said: “Customers in Alston and the Hillhead area of Brixham are advised to boil their drinking water before consuming following new test results for cryptosporidium.
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“We are issuing this notice following small traces of the organism identified overnight and this morning. We are working with the UK Health Security Agency and other public health partners to urgently investigate and eliminate the source.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will continue to keep customers and businesses updated. Bottled water stations will be set up in the affected areas as soon as possible.”
Brixham, which has a population of around 17,000 people, is a busy fishing harbour as well as popular holiday spot.
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