Devon businesses fear loss of tourism as cases of parasitic disease double

Authorities confirm 46 cases and warn of weeks-long disruption as firms in Brixham hit by cancellations before school half-term

Cases of an illness caused by a microscopic parasite in a Devon harbour town could continue for a further two weeks, experts said, with businesses predicting thousands of pounds of losses as school half-term approaches.

The comments came as the UK Health Security Agency confirmed that cases of cryptosporidium infection in the Brixham area had more than doubled from 22 to 46, with more than 100 others reporting symptoms of the disease.