Health advice issued to those who fell ill after a visit to a farm on the Isle of Wight, has changed.

The Isle of Wight Council has updated guidance on water-based activities, given on behalf of the UK Health and Security Agency South East (UKHSA).

It was handed out after several people, including children, became ill following a trip to Ryde's Hazelgrove Farm.

The illness has since been confirmed as Cryptosporidium, as the County Press reported earlier.

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UKHSA has told the County Press there are less than five confirmed cases of the illness.

It's understood several children are ill at home, however, while others have been treated at St Mary's Hospital.

UKHSA guidance, issued by the council, had said those affected should stay away from swimming pools and other water and social activities until they have been symptom free for 48 hours to prevent any spread.

This has been amended to the following: “Swimming and water-based activities should be avoided for 14 days from the end of symptoms.

"If symptoms continue beyond a couple of weeks, please contact your GP and if advised, please provide a stool sample for testing.”

The farm is yet to respond to a request for a comment. It has been confirmed the farm voluntarily stopped lamb petting/feeding at the beginning of last week.

The IW Council said the investigation into the source of the illness continues.

The latest statement, from Dr Anand Fernandes, consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South East, said: “Specialists are providing public health advice and working with Isle of Wight Council and Hazelgrove Farm following reports of a number of people feeling unwell.

"Some of those affected have described symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, which has since been confirmed as caused by cryptosporidium.

"Cryptosporidium parasites can be found in soil, water, food or on any surface that has been contaminated with human or animal faeces.

“Symptoms of Cryptosporidium infection include: watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, dehydration, weight loss and fever.

"Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in young children aged between one and five years.

"Most healthy people will recover fully without any treatment.

“Our advice to anyone affected is to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stay away from work, clubs and other and social activities until you have been symptom free for 48 hours to prevent any spread."

If you have been affected in any way, you are urged to contact the Environmental Health team at Isle of Wight Council on 01983 823000.