Norovirus has swept through a popular seaside resort as families fear infection from the vomiting bug.
Guests staying at a Butlins resort in Skegness have said their holidays have been ruined as the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) tried to control the outbreak.
Butlins said it had become aware of a small number of “sickness incidents” among guests and had ordered enhanced cleaning.
The UKHSA said it was working with Butlins to try and prevent the spread of the infection.
As they try and control the outbreak, families have complained about their children falling ill with severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Speaking to the BBC, Sarah O’Reilly said her 12 year old son became unwell halfway through their holiday.
She said: “We’d already heard that there had been sickness through other people’s social media but didn’t realise to what extent.
“By the early hours of Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, my son had been violently sick on three occasions. He also had diarrhoea, temperature and muscle aches.”
Ms O’Reilly said that after ringing the customer services team, an employee was sent to clean their bathroom.
Ms O’Reilly said as their holiday progressed more and more guests began to fall ill and rumours spread of a norovirus outbreak.
She said: “There were no signs to say anything was happening. Ten out of a party of 12 have been vomiting. It’s completely ruined the short break we have saved up for so long.”
Fellow guest Beckie Sanderson said her daughter was sick three times before she and her partner experienced symptoms during the night, ruining her birthday.
She said the virus had “completely messed up our plans” as Butlins tried to battle the virus.
In a statement, Butlins said: “We have a small number of sickness incidents reported on the resort.
“In line with our strict hygiene and cleaning standards, to keep our guests and team healthy, we have introduced a few enhanced service measures to ensure everyone can enjoy their stay.”
The UKHSA said it had been informed of a norovirus outbreak. A spokeswoman said they were working “to respond to reports of illness and prevent further spread of infection”.
They said anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting illness should self-isolate and not handle or prepare food for others until they had been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
