An outbreak of horrific illness is believed to have left hundreds of people in Devon practically bedbound.
Cryptosporidium has been confirmed in the seaside town of Brixham by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, low-grade fever and loss of appetite, and usually last between one to two weeks.
South West Water (SWW) has confirmed the tests it has carried out on the quality of drinking water in Brixham have currently all come back clear.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite, which can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals and can be caused by swimming in or drinking contaminated water as well as other sources such as contaminated food.
A South West Water spokesperson said: “We are aware of posts on social media regarding the quality of drinking water in the Brixham area and we would like to reassure customers that the water supply is fine to continue to use as normal. We have carried out sampling and tests for cryptosporidium and all results have come back clear.
“We always carefully monitor our drinking water supplies and we are supporting the UK Health Security Agency with their investigations.”
