A parasitic disease which usually affects children under five years old has been detected in Kent leading Public Health England (PHE) to issue warnings.

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite resistant to chlorination which causes sickness and diarrhoea, while not usually serious it can cause severe illness in those with a lowered immune system.

Cases of the infection have reportedly now been recorded in young children in Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, North Kent, Medway and Swale.

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There are many species of Cryptosporidium that infect animals, some of which can be spread to humans. The parasite, which is most commonly spread by water, is protected by an outer shell allowing it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and making it tolerant to disinfection.

PHE confirmed there have been 17 cases of Cryptosporidium confirmed in districts across the county which are being investigated although was not able to confirm when each case was recorded.

A spokesman confirmed the cases are not thought to be linked but said parents should stay vigilant for symptoms of the infection which include watery diarrhoea, dehydration. vomiting, weight loss and stomach cramps.

Despite PHE confirming several cases Kent County Council education officers have not been made aware of any outbreaks at schools in the county and neither has the authority’s public health department.

A Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) spokesman also confirmed it had not been made aware of any cases, while leisure centres in the area had also not been informed.

Dr Karthik Paranthaman, consultant in communicable disease control, said: “As is normal practice we would advise anyone suffering with a diarrhoeal illness not to swim and to practice hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.”