Investigations are taking place in to the sources of a diarrhoea bug after six cases were confirmed in Dorset since the start of June, with hundreds reported across the region. 

Cases of the cryptosporidiosis bug (crypto) have sprung up in recent months in the south west with more than 200 confirmed across the region.

Cases have recently been linked to swimming at a leisure centre in Swindon that has been closed as a precaution.

Public Health England said it is working with local authority colleagues in the affected areas to investigate cases.

PHE added that it is working to investigate possible sources of the infection and are taking appropriate control measures where necessary to help prevent further cases.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, consultant in communicable disease control for PHE South West, said: “The PHE South West Health Protection Team is working closely with local authority colleagues in the region, to investigate possible sources of infection and are taking appropriate control measures where necessary to help prevent further cases.

“Cryptosporidiosis is predominantly a waterborne disease and infection can be caused by drinking contaminated water or swallowing contaminated water in swimming pools or streams. It can also be acquired by animal and human contact.”

Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever.

PHE said that anyone can get cryptosporidiosis but is most common in young children aged between one and five-years-old and in most healthy people the symptoms are self-limiting.