'Boil water' warning for thousands after bug found at treatment works

Residents in parts of Lancashire should boil water for drinking, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice, United Utilities has said.

Thousands having to boil drinking water after a bug is found in supplies

Hundreds of thousands of people in Lancashire are being told to boil their water before drinking after United Utilities found a bug at its treatment works near Preston.

Cryptosporidium can cause sickness and diarrhoea.

Residents in Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Preston, South Ribble and Wyre are affected.

United Utilities says the order could be in place into next week.

Public Health England issue advice for Lancashire water customers hit by bug

“We would remind people in the affected areas to follow the advice from United Utilities and boil their drinking water and allow to cool before use.

"The levels of cryptosporidium detected in the water supply is low and the advice to boil the water is as a precaution.

“There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis.

"In most cases the symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhoea settle in a few days.

"However, in a few cases cryptosporidiosis can be unpleasant with diarrhoea lasting for several weeks It is important to drink plenty of fluids" to avoid dehydration.”

– KATE BRIERLEY, PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND

• Anybody who feels unwell or experiences the symptoms of D&V should contact NHS 111 or see their GP.

Original Source: http://www.itv.com/news/granada/story/2015-08-07/boil-water-warning-for-thousands-after-bug-found-at-treatment-works/

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