Holidaymakers are being advised to take extra hygiene precautions due to an increase in the number of people returning home from southern Europe with gastrointestinal illness.

The HSE said that there has been a “widespread increase” in cryptosporidiosis, a bug that creates gastroenteritis, in Europe.

It said that this is most likely due to extreme weather in European countries over the summer, especially in Mediterranean countries.

The HSE said that the most common symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.

It said that there has been a high number of holidaymakers coming home from Spain, especially Salou in Catalonia, with the bug over the last month.

People are advised people to wash their hands frequently with soap and clean water or to use alcohol-based sanitiser.

The HSE also advised people to take precautions when drinking water and check to see if tap water is treated.

If unsure about the safety of tap water, people are advised not to drink it or brush their teeth with it.

People are also advised not to use ice in drinks and to shower after swimming in the pool or sea.

In relation to drinking beer and wine, hot drinks bottled or canned drinks, they are considered to be safe.

Caution should also be taken when it comes to eating food.