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Vomiting illness outbreak hits international Norfolk Scout and Guide event

The NORJAM 2018 site on the Norfolk Showground. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA VICTORIA PERTUSA

An emergency plan has been put into action after a global gathering of scouts and guides was hit by a vomiting illness outbreak.

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The international Scouting event is taking place at the Norfolk Showground this week, with more than 5,000 leaders and children from around the world attending.

Organisers NORJAM say the source of the outbreak, which has affected around 40 people, has been identified and they are working with Public Health England (PHE) to rectify the issues.

A spokesman for NORJAM said: “We are acting on advice and guidance from PHE and they are very happy with the actions we have taken and the precautions we have put in place from our event emergency plan.

“Less than 1% of the jamboree have been affected. The source of the outbreak has been identified and staff have worked through the night to minimise disruption to the jamboree and all facilities have received a deep clean and this will continue for the remainder of the event.”

The NORJAM 2018 site on the Norfolk Showground. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA The NORJAM 2018 site on the Norfolk Showground. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA

The organisers confirmed that they had processed 41 people through their on-site Medical Rest Centre, including a mixture of adults and young people.

Our facility is staffed by a volunteer first aid team, which includes NHS nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals.

They added: “We have made the decision to keep everyone onsite for activities today for the welfare for all concerned.

“The parents of those taken ill have been informed and arrangements have been made to take them home.

The NORJAM 2018 site on the Norfolk Showground. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA The NORJAM 2018 site on the Norfolk Showground. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA

“The safety of all those participating in NORJAM is always our priority. We are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.”

No one affected by the vomiting illness has had to be taken to hospital.

“We will be unable to give any further information as we are focussing our efforts on a safe and enjoyable final day of the jamboree.”

A spokesman for Public Health England added: “PHE is working closely with the organisers to provide hygiene and infection control advice to help stop the illness spreading. We are also advising the cases that are poorly what to do to aid recovery and prevent them spreading the germ to others.”