Increased levels of cryptosporidiosis, a potentially severe stomach bug, have been reported from areas of Spain, in particular Catalonia.

The bug can lead to gastrointestinal issues and symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting. 

There has been a widespread increase in cryptosporidiosis in Europe in August and September that is most likely because of the extreme weather in European, especially in Mediterranean countries, over the summer.

The HSE is advising people to take extra hygiene precautions when travelling overseas.

The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea, some people may also experience dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. While others may not have symptoms at all.

Symptoms usually last between 1 to 2 weeks. While it is a mild disease in healthy people, it can be worse in small children and elderly people, and can be very serious for people who are immunocompromised.