Upmarket Midlands hotel closes due to illness outbreak
A luxury Midlands hotel has temporarily closed due to an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea amongst guests.
Glasson Lakehouse in Athlone, Westmeath has voluntarily closed to prevent further outbreak.
The HSE gave a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about the incident at the hospitality business.
“Since Monday 24 August, the Department of Public Health – HSE Dublin and Midlands team has been investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness affecting people who attended a premises in Co. Westmeath.
“The Public Health team is working closely with HSE National Environmental Health Service colleagues and the premises to ensure all appropriate actions are being taken and is working to contact affected people with advice. Management and staff at the premises are cooperating fully with Public Health advice.
“The premises has voluntarily closed to facilitate outbreak control measures,” a spokesperson confirmed.
“Symptoms of gastroenteritis can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
“Careful food handling and hand hygiene help prevent further spread of gastroenteritis. Public Health advice is that people who are unwell stay off work or school until 48 hours symptom free.”
More information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/diarrhoea-vomiting/
The hotel issued a statement confirming their closure to local media.
"It is with regret that we have decided to temporarily close our premises as a precautionary measure following an outbreak of Norovirus.
“We notified the HSE when we became aware that some recent guests and team members exhibited symptoms.
"In consultation with the HSE, we implemented a voluntary closure and are working closely with the HSE to carry out all appropriate control measures, which we have acted on immediately."
The business said it "deeply regrets" the impact the illness outbreak has had on guests, and thanked them for their patience and support.
"We are doing everything we can to look after everyone affected and are seeking alternative venues for guests and events to minimise the inconvenience caused. We will continue to work closely with health authorities and will provide an update regarding our reopening as soon as possible,” the hotel told the Westmeath Independent.