Irish health officials have issued a warning after recording a rise in cryptosporidium infections in people returning from abroad.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland said increased levels of cryptosporidiosis have been reported from areas of Spain, including Salou in Catalonia, in the past month. A parasite causes the infection, and symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
The agency advised people to take extra hygiene precautions when traveling overseas.
There has been a widespread increase in cryptosporidiosis in Europe in August and September that has been attributed to extreme weather in Europe, primarily Mediterranean countries, over the summer.
More than 50 people have fallen sick, with 37 lab-confirmed cases. So far this year, 656 infections have been reported in Ireland compared to 510 in the same period in 2022.
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