EAST Lancashire residents in the area affected by a microscopic water-borne bug have been warned they could yet fall ill in the next few days.

As United Utilities said it was close to clearing the system of cryptosporidium, Public Health England revealed it was prepared for a possible cluster of cases as the bug reaches it average incubation time.

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Since the alert for the bug which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, eight days ago, no-one has displayed symptoms.

United Utilities said yesterday it hoped to give the all-clear soon and water samples from the Franklaw plant near Preston were currently running pure but told customers to carry on boiling water.

The alert has affected households in Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, the Fylde coast, Mellor, Mellor Brook, Samlesbury, Chorley and Abbey Village.

Kate Brierley from PHE North-West said: “We have not had a confirmed case of cryptosporidium but, as at any time of the year, there may be people suffering with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

“These symptoms are fairly common and will not necessarily be as a result of cryptosporidium.”

A spokeswoman for United Utilities said yesterday: “We won’t be in a position to lift the boil water notice until we’re confident that supplies across the affected area are back to their usual extremely high standards.”