Resort popular with Teesside families hit by outbreak of sickness bug

A sickness bug has reportedly broken out at a UK holiday park popular with Teessiders.

Guests staying at Butlins in Skegness have claimed a ‘sickness and vomiting bug’ has ruined their trip with health officials investigating a suspected outbreak of norovirus, reports Yorkshire Live[1].

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the breakout and working to stop the infection spreading – which is believed to be norovirus. Butlins has released a statement explaining cleaning has been enhanced to tackle the breakout, reports Nottinghamshire Live.[2]

In a statement, Butlins said: “We have a small number of sickness incidents reported on the resort. In line with our strict hygiene and cleaning standards, to keep our guests and team healthy, we have introduced a few enhanced service measures to ensure everyone can enjoy their stay.”

UKHSA said it had been informed of a suspected norovirus outbreak at the resort. An agency spokeswoman said its own public health specialists, along with East Lindsey District Council, were working with Butlin’s management “to respond to reports of illness and prevent further spread of infections.”

The investigation does not indicate food as a source, she said. While the cause of the illness is not confirmed, the spokeswoman said reported symptoms were “consistent with norovirus”. Anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting illness is told to self-isolate and not handle or prepare food for other people until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, officials recommended.

Patients should avoid visiting GP surgeries and hospitals but instead call NHS[4] 111 or talk to their doctor by phone if they are concerned.

Speaking to the BBC[5], Sarah O’Reilly said her 12 year old son became unwell halfway through their holiday. She said: “We’d already heard that there had been sickness through other people’s social media but didn’t realise to what extent. By the early hours of Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, my son had been violently sick on three occasions. He also had diarrhoea, temperature and muscle aches.”

Ms O’Reilly said that after ringing the customer services team, an employee was sent to clean their bathroom. She added that more and more guests began to fall ill throughout her holiday, as rumours spread of a norovirus outbreak. She said: “There were no signs to say anything was happening. Ten out of a party of 12 have been vomiting. It’s completely ruined the short break we have saved up for so long.”

Fellow guest Beckie Sanderson said her daughter was sick three times before she and her partner experienced symptoms during the night, ruining her birthday. She said the virus had “completely messed up our plans” as Butlins tried to battle the virus.

References

  1. ^ Yorkshire Live (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Nottinghamshire Live. (www.nottinghampost.com)
  3. ^ Hardwick Festival: Weekend weather forecast ahead of popular event headlined by Indie legends (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ NHS (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
  5. ^ BBC (www.gazettelive.co.uk)