Sickness bug at popular hotel leaves 28 guests ill with ‘norovirus’ as they’re forced to self-isolate
A NASTY sickness bug has wiped out 28 guests at a popular hotel who have been forced to self-isolate.
Holidaymakers staying at The Abbey Lawn Hotel, in Torquay, fell ill with norovirus-type symptoms on and around April 1.
It came after a large group arrived by coach at the hotel on March 30.
A friend of one of the guests told Devon Live: “Guest are having to self isolate due to sickness.”
Pictures from the venue reveals staff had hung bags of tea, coffee and other supplies on guests’ doors.
It is understood the remaining 84 visitors were unaffected by the bug.
The hotel has since been rigorously cleaned and a spokesperson said “comprehensive action” was taken.
A spokesperson for owners Daish’s Holidays said: “We would like to reassure guests and the wider community that swift and comprehensive action has been taken following recent reports of sickness at the Abbey Lawn Hotel.
“None of the guests affected required medical support or hospitalisation, the situation was contained, and the hotel has not been closed.
“There have been no further reports of sickness in the last 24 hours. A full deep clean of the hotel has been carried out as part of our rigorous hygiene protocols, and we continue to follow strict health and safety measures, approved by Public Health England.
“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and care and look forward to continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.”
What is norovirus and how long does sickness bug last?
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and is also referred to as “the winter vomiting bug”, although it can affect people all year round.
It is very unpleasant but it usually clears itself up in a few days.
It commonly spreads through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces and through close contact with a person who is infected.
Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, child care centres, schools and cruise ships.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to the NHS website, you are likely to have caught norovirus if you experience a sudden sick feeling, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
The main symptoms are:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
How long do norovirus symptoms last?
Norovirus symptoms usually start between 12 and 48 hours of being infected with the bug.
Most people will start to feel better in two to three days.
The NHS says: “Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. This is when you’re most infectious.
“Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.”
There are some unfortunate cases in which the virus can linger in the intestines for weeks – or even months.
And you should get advice by ringing 111 if you are still throwing up after two days, or having diarrhoea for more than seven days.
The same goes for children, and it is important to keep out for dehydration signs, especially if this isn’t fixed with oral rehydration sachets.
Call 999 if you or your child’s sick has blood in it, is green or yellow or looks like ground coffee.
Signs like a stiff neck, pain when looking at lights or a sudden severe headache or stomach ache also warrant calling 999, the NHS says.