A "water boil" notice has been issued to the residents of Carlow Town after 25 people were reported ill with symptoms suggesting infection from a dangerous bacteria.
The notice was given under the advisement of the Health Service Executive despite only minor traces of the bug, cryptosporidiosis, being found in the water supply over recent weeks.
The symptoms of the bug are stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fatigue and nausea. Six people have been hospitalised with symptoms, and there is particular concern for infants; 17 of the 25 people reportedly infected are under the age of four.
Carlow County Council has been monitoring its water supply for a number of weeks after symptoms began to be reported, according to Director of Services, John Mulholland.
Until now however no concentrated levels of the bug have been found. On March 4th, a very "low-level" of cryptosporidiosis was detected.
The notice was only issued to Carlow Town residents - about 6,000 people - and an investigation into the town's two water supplies is under way.
Anyone suffering from symptoms should contact their local GP and stay away from public places, as children and the elderly are particularly susceptible.