Galway water bug cases rise

The number of laboratory confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis in Galway has risen to 210 since the beginning of the outbreak, the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed this evening.

For the week ending April 29th, there were 15 new cases confirmed, compared to nine cases for the previous week.

According to the HSE, all age groups and approximately equal numbers of males and females have been affected by the parasite since the outbreak began. Most of the people affected are under 10 years of age

Overall, 40 people - including 24 children - have been admitted to hospital since the start of 2007.

The HSE warned people living in the Galway area to continue to boil water intended for drinking or food preparation until further notice.