Water bug cases 'return to normal'

The cryptosporidium cases have been mostly in Belfast

The team investigating a bug outbreak in the Northern Ireland drinking water supply has said the number of cases of illness is returning to normal.

In a statement, it said cases would continue to be investigated and that a full report on the cryptosporidium outbreak would be made.

The communicable disease control consultants in the four Northern Ireland health boards will head the investigation.

Cryptosporidium is a small organism which people swallow and in the gut it affects the cells causing diarrhoea, abdominal pains, a feeling of illness and sometimes vomiting.

Health experts have admitted that the most recent outbreak of cryptosporidium had been the worst so far.

An independent inquiry has been set up to investigate the outbreak.

More than 270 people have been struck by the illness since the start of the year.

'Not complacent'

Last month, Northern Ireland regional development minister Gregory Campbell denied his department had been complacent about the cryptosporidium water bug.

Mr Campbell said evidence showed an "almost negligible" level of cryptosporidium in the public drinking water.

Families have been using bottled water

It is the second time in 12 months that an outbreak of the bug has been traced to the water supplied to south and west Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Water Service said it had identified the source of infection of the cryptosporidium bug.

The team investigating the outbreak believed it had traced its origins to the Dunore Point Water Treatment Plant in County Antrim on the eastern shore of Lough Neagh.

Incubation period

It is understood the contamination was caused by a blocked drain which allowed untreated water into the filtration system.

The illness has an incubation period of a week to 10 days.

The cryptosporidium parasite is particularly debilitating for the elderly, young children and the sick.

It can also prove fatal.

Health experts say cryptosporidiosis in immuno-compromised people often results in a chronic life threatening gastro-enteritis with a high mortality rate.