Parasite outbreak: 57 cases confirmed in Devon
More cases are expected to be confirmed over the coming days
There have been 57 confirmed cases of people affected by a parasite outbreak in Devon, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says.
The agency said more cases were expected to continue to be confirmed over the coming days as samples were processed.
It is believed a damaged air valve on private land was the cause of the outbreak of the waterborne disease cryptosporidium, South West Water (SWW) said.
The owner of SWW, the Pennon Group, said it could pay out up to £3.5m in compensation to customers affected by the issue.
The government said 16,000 properties in Brixham had been issued boil water notices, and two people have been taken to hospital as a result of the outbreak.
The UKHSA said it could take between two and 10 days for people to become unwell after being exposed.
Today the Pennon Group announced its financial results, including dividends payable to shareholders.
Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, whose Totnes constituency covers Brixham, said it was "absolutely appalling" that Pennon announced dividends.
"At a time when confidence in South West Water is at an all-time low, they really should be thinking about making sure their consumers are on-side, rather than shareholders," he said.