Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite (a tiny organism) that causes an infection called cryptosporidiosis affecting people and cattle.
The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe, the agency said.
A spokesman said: "People with weak immune systems are likely to be most seriously affected. There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration."
"Cryptosporidium is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal faeces.
Transmission occurs through animal-to-human or human-to-human contact.
"People may also be infected by consuming contaminated water or food, or by swimming in contaminated water."
Click here to read our original story.
Click here to read about the bottled water shortage.
Click here to read more about the closure of schools.Click here to read more about how pets could be affected.Click here to read a Cryptosporidium Q and A.Click here to read a police warning.Have your say on the crisis - register on our site or click here< /a>.
The full article contains 223 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
