Two people have been taken to hospital following a parasite outbreak in Devon, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay told the Commons. There are currently 46 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium, a waterborne disease which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Mr Barclay told MPs the number of cases in the Brixham area could continue to rise due to symptoms taking up to 10 days to emerge.

Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, whose Totnes constituency includes Brixham, said the 46 confirmed cases is an "underestimation" and blamed South West Water (SWW) for people falling ill. According to the Government, 16,000 households and businesses in Brixham, supplied by SWW, were initially told not to use their tap water for drinking without boiling and cooling it first. The number of homes which the "boil water" notice applies to has since reduced by 85%, but SWW said this would remain "until we and our public health partners are completely satisfied it is safe to do so".

During an urgent question on the contamination, Mr Barclay said the situation has caused "considerable concern and disruption to the local community". He added: "Today, UKHSA have identified at least 46 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium, but given symptoms may take up to 10 days to emerge, obviously that may continue to rise. Two people have been hospitalised.

" Mr Barclay continued: "Whilst 16,000 properties were initially subject to the boil notic.