Flood victims are warned of Virus Danger

Fears are growing growing today that contaminated floodwater could lead to a major outbreak of disease.

Health bosses say hundreds of thousands of flood victims now face an increased risk from bugs in contaminated water.

They claim that the failure of sewage plants could lead to the spread of microorganisms such as the noroviruses, which cause gastroenteritis and winter vomiting disease.

Health Protection Agency officials today advised people living in affected areas to prevent their children from playing in the floodwater, to wear protective clothing and to take special precautions when preparing infant formula milk.