The Australian Food Network reports a notable rise in the number of cases of Cryptosporidium in the Northern Territory has prompted the state government to urge Territorians to practice good hygiene and food safety practices.

According to the Northern Territory Government, 114 cases have been reported so far this year.

Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause, said this is more than twice the number of expected gastroenteritis cases this year caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite.

Dr Krause said, “The current hot and humid weather is providing the perfect conditions for the bug to thrive and we are expecting to see more cases.

“It’s important that infected people don’t prepare or handle food or drinks that will be consumed by others,” she said.