Businesses in Devon are fearing losses as tourists are put off by the outbreak of parasitic diseases

Cases of a disease caused by a microscopic parasite in a Devon port town could continue for another two weeks, experts say, with businesses predicting thousands of pounds in losses as the school holidays approach.

Around 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area have been told by South West Water (SWW) that they should not use their tap water for drinking without boiling and cooling it first.

Residents and visitors have reported falling ill and business owners expressed deep concern that one of their busiest times – the summer holidays at the end of this month – could be destroyed.

Carrie Toms, 46, head of bookings at Harbor View guest house, said: “It has had an impact on business, people are very concerned about it. We’ve already had a few cancellations.”

Sian, who runs the Sandy Toes gift shop, said: “A lot of people are saying they won’t come down because of the water situation. Of course I am highly dependent on tourism. If I don’t have a good tourist season, I’m in big trouble.”

Sally Everton from Visit Devon said it was a “major concern” that people from Brixham and the wider area would stay put.

Tessa Govier, 67, a senior care worker at a nursing home, said she was shocked by what had happened. “I think it puts a lot of people off coming here. I’ve heard of people canceling bed and breakfast bookings.”

Michael Smith, co-owner of the Venus cafe in Broadsands, near Brixham, said sales had fallen by 40% in the past two days, while Wall Park touring caravan site said customers had contacted the park saying it was too it was risky to visit.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 22 cases of cryptosporidium had been confirmed in the fishing village.

SWW has issued a “boil water notice” for Alston and the Hillhead area of ​​Brixham after water tests showed “small traces” of the parasite, which causes illness and diarrhea.

The company’s chief customer and digital officer Laura Flowerdew said a faulty valve was a potential source.

It has not yet set a date for how long it thinks the outbreak will last, but Paul Hunter, professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia (UEA), told BBC residents that they “can expect at least more cases”. 10 days to two weeks”.

Initially the company was criticized for offering customers £15 compensation. It then increased damages to £115 and said it would continue to scrutinize the level of compensation.

Flowerdew said: “We sincerely apologize for the impact this has had on our customers in the Brixham and Alston areas. Protecting the health of our customers and providing them with a clean, fresh drinking water supply is our number one priority and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure this happens as quickly as possible.”

The company has set up two bottled water collection points in Paignton and Brixham for customers to collect bottled water. It will continue to deliver bottled water for customers who are unable to pick up.