Inquiry launched as hundreds hit by bug

The Health Protection Agency has revealed there were 267 cases of the gastrointestinal infection cryptosporidiosis during the last 20 days of May in Yorkshire, the North East and Midlands compared with only 73 in the whole of May last year.

Experts have launched an investigation to find out if the cases are linked. No source has yet been identified but it is thought unlikely that public water supplies are involved.

Stephen Morton, who is leading the investigation for the agency, said they were looking for a common source of infection.

“GPs in affected areas have been informed about the recent rise in cases and asked to be vigilant to further possible cases,” he said.

The infection is caused by an organism found in soil, food, water, or surfaces contaminated with infected human or animal droppings.

People can become infected by consuming contaminated water or food, by swimming in contaminated water or through contact with infected animals.

The majority of victims were adults although outbreaks of the disease usually affect youngsters.

Most people affected had a mild to moderate form of illness but a small number of people were hospitalised and all have now recovered.

Symptoms can include mild to severe diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever which can last up to three weeks but can affect people with weak immune systems for longer.