Travellers staying at the Izan Cavanna Hotel in Murcia, Spain, were rushed to hospital after complaining of feeling sick. A salmonella outbreak has since been declared
A salmonella outbreak which erupted at a hotel in Spain has worsened as the number of guests hit with the infection has almost doubled.
Holidaymakers who booked into the Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga, Murcia, fell ill with gastroenteritis. Symptoms typically present as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Health officials have since confirmed that the patient toll has soared from 100 to 190 cases, with 19 people still suffering in hospital.
The Epidemiology Service of the Regional Ministry of Health said more patients are expected to be discharged after making progress. The Regional Ministry of Health continues to investigate the origin of the outbreak. At this time, the cause of the outbreak is being linked to cross-contamination.
READ MORE: Images show Brit mum’s horrifying injuries after pair mowed down by Ibiza taxiREAD MORE: Brit boy, 3, ‘abducted’ in Marbella as police fear he’s been snatched to Russia
According to sources close to the investigation, salmonella bacteria was found both in food consumed on August 23. Bacteria was also detected in samples from staff who handled the products that day.
“Therefore, Public Health technicians observe deficiencies that lead them to propose opening a disciplinary procedure against the hotel,” as reported in local media. On Wednesday, the hotel said that “to date, this establishment has not received any notification regarding the opening of a disciplinary procedure, nor has the origin or cause of the outbreak been officially confirmed”, according to La Verdad.
The kitchens have been closed since Sunday. The hotel’s restaurant service continued operating that day, including meals, until the Health Department ordered a precautionary suspension in the afternoon, when dozens of people were affected. The Ministry maintains that the decision was made “as soon as we suspected the source was foodborne, something that was confirmed that same afternoon with the initial tests.”
On its Facebook site, the hotel said: “The management of the Hotel Izan Cavanna wishes to inform all its guests that it is actively managing a health incident that has affected a limited number of guests with symptoms of gastroenteritis. The health, safety, and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. We have taken immediate action, adopting the following measures:
1. Working closely with the Health Authorities to investigate the source of the outbreak, following all their recommendations and guidelines.
2. Assisting affected guests with their speedy recovery, remaining in close contact with them.
3. Hygiene and Disinfection Protocols have been activated throughout our facilities, exceeding our already rigorous cleaning standards.
4. Continuity of Service: To maintain service to our guests, we have immediately engaged a reputable external catering company. This company will be responsible for providing all meals at the hotel, operating under the strictest food safety certifications and ensuring the continuity and quality of our culinary offerings.
“We deeply regret the situation and the concern this incident may have caused our guests. The trust our guests place in us is the foundation of our commitment, and we are doing everything in our power to resolve this situation and ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.”