BY IAN CROUCH
Hunter New England Health is urging residents to take precautions against cryptosporidiosis, with a major outbreak sweeping the state.
Around 500 cases of the nasty gastric bug have been reported in the first two weeks of February, including almost 50 in our region.
It's most often caught by people while swimming who've swallowed water, and is particularly prevalent in young children.
The microscopic parasite cryptosporidium causes diarrhoea. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite.
Health authorities say people should avoid going swimming for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear and to practice good hand hygiene.
