A SICKNESS outbreak at Mullion Holiday Park has been confirmed as norovirus.

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that 90 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting have now been reported, with two of those confirmed to be norovirus.

PHE said it was continuing to work with Cornwall Council and other agencies to investigate the outbreak.

Initially, when the situation came to light on Thursday, it was thought that around 30 children and eight adults had been affected, but it has now been confirmed that nearly three times that number have been ill.

Dr Bayad Nozad, consultant in communicable disease control at Public Health England South West, said: “We can confirm that norovirus has been confirmed in two of the cases. The virus usually leads to mild diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal or stomach cramps that people recover from quickly. 

"There is no specific treatment but, if affected, it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

“Norovirus is easily transmitted from one person to another and the virus can survive for some time in the environment.

"Practising good hand hygiene – washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels don't kill norovirus.

Read more: Mullion Holiday Park sickness outbreak

“Our advice for anyone affected is to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stay away from work, school and nursery until you have been symptom free for 48
hours. If symptoms continue, please contact your GP or NHS 111.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, a spokesperson for Mullion Holiday Park said: “We are very sorry that a number of our guests on park have been taken ill, and are carrying out a thorough investigation.

"We immediately contacted Public Health England and the local Environmental Health Authority and are co-operating with them fully to look after our guests whilst we identify the source.”

For more information about norovirus visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/