A massive salmonella outbreak at a hotel in southern Spain has now affected at least 190 people, it emerged on Thursday.
The figure comes from the latest update by the Epidemiology Service of the regional Health Department.
The outbreak took place at the Hotel Izan Cavanna in La Manga, Murcia, which neighbours Andalucia.
Some 19 individuals remain hospitalised at Santa Lucia Hospital, though some are expected to be discharged shortly due to improved health.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the source of the outbreak, with cross-contamination emerging as the most likely cause.
What is known so far
Preliminary findings indicate that salmonella bacteria were found in food served during lunch last Saturday as well as in samples taken from hotel staff who handled the food that day.
Health officials have identified multiple hygiene failures and are reportedly preparing to open a sanctions file against the hotel, although, as of Wednesday, no formal notification has been issued.
A spokesperson for Hotel Izan Cavanna told local newspaper La Verdad that ‘the establishment has not received any official communication regarding sanctions or confirmation of the outbreak’s origin,’ adding that the hotel is fully cooperating with authorities.
Kitchens closed, investigation ongoing
The hotel’s kitchen facilities have been shut down since Sunday, although the restaurant continued operating through part of that day, serving meals even as reports of illness mounted.
Health authorities say they ordered a full shutdown as soon as they suspected a foodborne source, which was confirmed later that same afternoon by lab tests.
This allowed them to rule out other possibilities, such as airborne viruses or contamination from the swimming pool.
Search for the source continues
Health teams are still analysing additional samples – including raw ingredients, prepared dishes, surfaces, utensils, and further staff tests – to identify the exact point of contamination.
Officials have made it clear that a full sanitary review is underway, and consequences for the hotel could be severe if negligence is confirmed.
The Hotel Cavanna salmonella outbreak is now one of the largest foodborne illness incidents reported in Spain this year.
Until the investigation concludes, the hotel’s kitchens remain closed, and public health officials continue urging anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention and report their case to health services.
