A HOTEL at the centre of a suspected salmonella outbreak said it “deeply regrets” what happened and is doing “everything it can” to resolve the situation.
More than 100 tourists – including a 15-month-old baby – were hit by a vomiting bug at the Costa hotel.
SolarpixSymptoms experienced by guests included nausea, vomiting and in some cases fever[/caption]
SolarpixRegional health chiefs have revealed that a total of 47 people had been assisted in an A&E unit[/caption]
SolarpixThe four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga has broken its silence[/caption]
The four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga has broken its silence two days since the problems began to emerge.
It also brushed off criticism from guests about the way the hotel had handled the situation.
Regional health chiefs have revealed that a total of 47 people had been assisted in the A&E unit of Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena.
Nine people were still being treated there as of yesterday.
Have you been affected by the reported outbreak at this hotel?
Share your story by contacting james.moules@thesun.co.uk
Those rushed to hospital are understood to have included several children, including a 15-month-old baby.
A heavily-pregnant woman was also among them, whose husband described her condition as “delicate”.
A field hospital was set up at the seafront hotel to help the remaining guests who fell ill.
Symptoms experienced by guests included nausea, vomiting and in some cases fever.
The nationalities of those involved have not been disclosed.
Regional government health sources said they are treating it as a probable salmonella poisoning outbreak – although tests are still ongoing.
They are understood to be focusing on two meals available in the Saturday lunchtime restaurant buffet.
Izan Cavanna bosses released a lengthy statement yesterday evening.
It reads: “The management of Hotel Izan Cavanna would like to inform all its customers and partners that it is actively managing a health incident that has affected a limited number of guests with symptoms of gastroenteritis.”
Noting the date when cases were first reported, it adds: “The health, safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority.”
They further listed the measures they have put in place following the reports.
It lists: “Collaboration with health authorities. We immediately notified the local public health authorities, with whom we continue to collaborate closely to investigate the source of the outbreak and, as is only right, to follow all their recommendations and guidelines.
“Assistance to affected guests. Our team is providing the necessary support to affected guests, providing them with medical assistance and attending to their needs to ensure their speedy recovery, while remaining in direct contact with them.
“Hygiene and Disinfection Protocols. We have implemented a thorough disinfection and sanitation protocol in all our facilities, which exceeds our already rigorous cleaning standards.
“Continuity of Service: In order to avoid interrupting service to our guests, we have immediately hired 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 guaranteeing the continuity and quality of our gastronomic offerings.”
They added: “We deeply regret the situation and the concern that this incident may have caused our guests.
“We would like to express our sincere solidarity with those affected and assure them that we have mobilised all our resources to manage this matter with the utmost diligence and transparency.
“The trust our customers 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.”
But one tourist responded saying: “I am at the Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena because my wife is one of those affected and she is eight months pregnant and has been admitted to the hospital.”
They added: “My belongings and my wife’s belongings are still in the room, as we have a reservation until Monday.
“I’m calling the hotel and no one is answering the phone at this time of day. We need answers.”
Salmonella poisoning effects typically include sudden diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps which appear between six hours and six days after infection and can last four to seven days.
In some cases, more severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea or high fever occur, requiring medical attention.
Serious complications, though rare, can involve the infection spreading from the intestines to the bloodstream, causing severe illness or leading to long-term issues like reactive arthritis.
SolarpixSalmonella poisoning effects typically include sudden diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps[/caption]
SolarpixThe nationalities of those involved have not been disclosed[/caption]