Outbreak of winter vomiting bug strikes 15 guests at top Glasgow hotel

A SUSPECTED outbreak of the norovirus stomach bug at a landmark hotel has led to sick guests being ordered to stay in their rooms.

Managers at the four-star Glasgow Marriott hotel were forced to take strict prevention measures after 15 guests and four staff were struck by the virus yesterday.

A team from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Protection Unit were called in when guests began showing symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting.

Guests struck by the virus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, have been told to stay in their rooms to limit any potential spread of the illness, while the four staff affected have been told to stay at home.

The hotel, just off the M8 in Glasgow's Argyle Street, has not been closed as a result of the outbreak but environmental health officers have ordered a "range of measures" to stop the virus spreading.

Dr Gillian Penrice, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Consultant, said: "The clinical presentation of these guests and staff is very suggestive of norovirus infection.

"Our advice to those guests in the hotel who are not symptomatic and to those who are due to check in is the same as it is for any community case - to follow strict hygiene rules such as regular hand washing."

Concerned staff and guests who had stayed in the hotel were warned to contact a doctor if they experience any symptoms.

Dr Penrice added: "I would advise anyone who has either stayed or worked at the hotel or used its facilities and is experiencing either diarrhoea or vomiting and a fever and is concerned to contact NHS24 or their GP."

In July 60 guests and 22 staff at the Glasgow Hilton were struck by the virus. The infection is a common viral stomach bug which can leave sufferers seriously ill. It can spread rapidly in areas with a high concentration of people such as hotels, cruise ships, hospitals and schools.

It is understood that none of those affected by the Marriott outbreak are giving doctors serious cause for concern.

A spokeswoman for The Glasgow Marriott said last night: "We thought it prudent to take precautionary measures to notify all the guests in the hotel and contacted people coming to the hotel to make them aware. At the moment we don't know what it is. It really is a precautionary measure."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "Public health specialists and Glasgow City Council Environmental Health Officers have assessed the situation and have put in place a broad range of measures alongside The Marriott's own health and safety procedures to contain the illness."

Meanwhile, an outbreak of winter vomiting bug has left 60 pupils and staff at a Midlothian school suffering symptoms.

Saltersgate Special Needs School in Dalkeith, Midlothian, is set to be deep cleaned this weekend after the suspected norovirus outbreak.