The organisers of a Lego event in Bristol have said they are “devastated” after a number of people who attended the show reported coming down with a norovirus-like sickness bug.
One person who wished to remain anonymous and attended the Bristol Brick Show, at Action Indoor Sports Center in Hengrove on 16 and 17 November, told Bristol Live: “At least 40 people that I know about have been affected. “
The Bristol Brick Show issued a statement on its Facebook page on Wednesday night, saying: “We have been made aware that a number of people who attended our event over the weekend have since been hit by a virus.
“Unfortunately there were no reports of sickness made during the duration of the show, therefore we had no way of warning anyone nor identifying a source at the time.
” Many of you will know that Bristol has recently seen multiple cases of norovirus affecting schools, hospitals and other businesses in the area and the combination of that plus almost 4, 000 people through our doors over the weekend seems to have contributed to an outbreak.
“We held the same event at the same venue last year with no known issues, so are confident this is an unfortunate and isolated incident.
“As the organisers we are devastated that this has put a damper on an otherwise successful show.
“Obviously we wish everyone who is affected a speedy recovery.”
The event raised £ 6, 500 which is to be split between the charities CLIC and the Children’s Hospice South West.
The symptoms of norovirus include suddenly feeling sick, projectile vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
The symptoms appear one to two days after you become infected and typically last for up to two or three days.
A spokeswoman for Bristol City Council said: “We are investigating a reported issue at The Bristol Brick Show. “
Dominic Mellon, from Public Health England South West, said:” Levels of norovirus are increasing in line with expected levels so far this winter but many schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes across the South West have reported outbreaks in recent weeks.
“We work closely with these institutions throughout the year to ensure that they have the right information and guidance to help prevent the spread of infection .
“Norovirus is unusual in that hand sanitisers don’t kill the virus and so hand washing is the best way to stop this nas ty infection before it passes on to others. “
Mr Mellon added:” Anyone who has been infected should stay off work or school for 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased. “
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