The WNSWLHD – which provides health services in Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo – said the number of cryptosporidiosis cases is expected to rise over summer.

People with diarrhoea are being asked to avoid swimming for two weeks to prevent contaminating pools and spreading the infection.

NSW Health director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty said people of all ages, particularly parents and carers of young children, should take steps to prevent the spread of the parasitic intestinal infection.

“Cryptosporidiosis is easily spread from person to person in swimming pools, splash parks, interactive fountains, spas and jacuzzis,” Mr McAnulty said.

“We usually see cases increase over summer and there have been plenty of outbreaks caused by contaminated swimming pools.

“If an infected person gets into a pool and another swimmer swallows even a small amount of pool water, they can get infected and will start experiencing diarrhoea a few days later.”

Mr McAnulty said there is an underestimation of the number of cases as many people with diarrhoea aren’t tested for cryptosporidiosis, which requires a stool test at the doctor.