17/04/2003

Bug outbreak sweeps through Butlins resort

Dozens of holidaymakers have been hit by an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea at a Butlins holiday resort.

Some 50 guests – among the 8,000 staying at the resort – have reported symptoms of illness at the Butlins resort in Minehead, Somerset. This the third year that an illness of this type has hit the resort.

Butlins managers have issued advice to guests and day visitors, explaining the symptoms of the illness and recommending measures to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Additional specialist cleaning measures are being undertaken throughout the resort, particularly within public areas, including toilets.

Health officials expect to identify the cause of the illness in a few days, after the results from the microbiological testing has been completed.

Early indications suggest that the infection is not connected with the consumption of food. But gastric illness of this type commonly occur within the community and often affects hospitals, schools, and nurseries. The symptoms usually last for 24 to 48 hours and whilst unpleasant, the illness is not normally life threatening. People affected usually recover after a few days rest, during which time they should drink plenty of water.

Somerset Health Protection Unit and West Somerset District Council’s Environmental Health Department were first notified of the outbreak on Monday.

(GMcG)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 July 2006
Cable car collision on mountain resort
A number of people have been injured during a collision between two cable cars in a mountain resort in northern Scotland yesterday. It has been reported that one of the carriages was derailed when one gondola slid back down the cable and hit another. It is estimated that the cable car fell about 60ft to the ground.
11 January 2006
Parents warned of early meningitis symptoms
Parents are being given new advice about early signs of meningitis, after a study identified several early symptoms.
15 October 2015
Handwashing Vital To Prevent Illness - PHE
Public Health England (PHE) has urged people to wash their hands to help prevent illnesses such as food poisoning and flu. On Global Handwashing Day, PHE have issued advice to remind people how washing hands with soap and water can remove bugs to protect both their health and that of others.
08 April 2015
Clinicians Claim Inequities In Care For Terminally Ill
Front-line clinicians claim lack of coordination between teams delivering care and insufficient funding for services are barriers to meeting the needs of people with a terminal illness, according to a new survey commissioned by charity Marie Curie.
30 May 2013
Report Published On Thames Swimming Illness
Londoners are being advised that swimming in the Thames can carry a risk of infection and gastrointestinal illness, following the publication of a new report by Public Health England (HE).