Horror stomach bug outbreak at Spanish hotel sees cases double with 19 still in hospital

Izan Cavanna Hotel where the outbreak occurred (Image: SOLARPIX.COM)

The number of people struck by the salmonella outbreak at a Spanish hotel has now almost doubled as authorities fight to tackle the horror bug. Health officials in Murcia say the figure has surged from 100 to 190 confirmed cases and up to 19 people remain hospitalised.

The latest update on the outbreak at the Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga has been provided in a report from the Epidemiology Service of the Regional Ministry of Health.

Nineteen people continue to receive treatment at the Santa Lucía hospital, although some of them were expected to be discharged yesterday due to their positive progress.

Meanwhile, the Regional Ministry of Health continues to investigate the source of the outbreak. Initial analyses point to cross-contamination as the cause of the massive salmonellosis outbreak.

Spanish newspaper Sur.es reports that salmonella bacteria was discovered both in food consumed during last Saturday's meal and 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," says the newspaper.

Emergency services in the hotel car park (Image: SOLARPIX.COM)

The investigation continues with further analysis of both food and raw materials, surfaces and utensils used.

Staff samples are also being analysed.

The Hotel Izán Cavanna said on Wednesday 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'.

In its response, the Izán Cavanna stated that "the hotel is fully aware of the situation and is actively collaborating with the competent authorities to clarify it."

The Ministry of Health stated that "the Epidemiology Service technicians continue to investigate the specific origin of the salmonella outbreak."

The kitchens have been shuttered since Sunday.

The hotel's restaurant service carried on 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."

Thus, the possibility of the cause being "other causes such as airborne transmission of the virus or the hotel pool" was ruled out.

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."