Galway Bay fm newsroom – The HSE has issued a public health advisory on the dangers of Cryptosporidium, as several water supplies across the county remain affected by the parasite.
The health executive says Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can be found in human and animal faeces.
The human illness, cryptosporidiosis, can occur through direct contact with infected animals or through food or water that has been contaminated by faeces.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps or pain.
Most people with cryptosporidium infection recover in a few weeks, but it can be a very serious illness in people whose immune systems are weak.
The HSE says water from wells may be particularly vulnerable after heavy rainfall or after flooding.
It’s advising people to watch for any changes in the normal characteristics of their well water such as colour, odour or clarity.
Farmers are advised to wash hands carefully after animal contact, especially after lambing or calving.
Currently, there are boil water notices in place for several water supplies across the county as a result of Cryptosporidium contamination.
These include Loughrea, Leenane, Williamstown and Tiernee/Lettermore.
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