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5 November, 2019

More than 50 people hit by gastro after E. coli contamination at QLD resort

By Alexandra Coulton

More than 50 people have fallen ill after the water at a popular resort off the coast of Brisbane was contaminated with E. coli.

Health authorities have launched an investigation on Moreton Island’s Tangalooma Island Resort after Queensland’s Public Health Unit was hit by dozens of reports of patients with gastroenteritis, according to ABC News.

A spokeswoman for Tangalooma Island Resort told the national broadcaster that initial tests have indicated the resort’s water was contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

“Some of our guests and staff have reported illness consistent with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a general feeling of being unwell,” she said.

“We are currently working with both Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service to ascertain exact numbers of guests and staff who have been affected and have also attempted to contact all guests who have departed the resort over this time.

“We can say for certain that over the past few days, less than 10 people have reported any health issues to resort management.

The spokeswoman indicated a number of guests had arrived at the resort recently with what “appears to be viral infections consistent with Gastroenteritis” which was contracted prior to arrival.

“Advanced cleaning and sanitisation regimes are actioned in public areas and across guest facilities,” the spokeswoman said.

“All staff have been briefed of the issue and have been provided with relevant information to keep themselves safe and guests safe.

“All water is sourced from the underground water table and then filtered through the resort’s water-treatment plant.”

Dr Kari Jarvinen from the Metro South Public Health Unit told ABC News the issue is being addressed.

“All guests and staff have been advised to boil their drinking water or use commercially supplied bottled water until the issue is resolved,” Jarvinen said.

“Anyone on the resort or anyone who has recently visited the resort should be alert for symptoms of gastroenteritis and seek medical advice if they have concerns.

“Initial reports to Queensland Health involved 50 cases, however the exact number of people potentially affected is unknown.”

Travel Weekly has contacted Tangalooma Island Resort for comment.

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contaminated water E. coli Tangalooma Island resort