An investigation is now underway after a second group who attended a Melbourne venue fell ill two days before a wedding was struck down by a gastro outbreak.
About 30 wedding guests experienced fever, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting after attending the reception at The Park in Albert Park on Saturday night.
It has now emerged about 70 medical professionals, who attended a conference at the venue two days before the wedding, fell ill with similar symptoms after eating at the venue.
The Victoria Department of Health has opened an investigation into the two incidents, the Age reports.
In a statement sent out following the wedding outbreak, the health department said they were investigating the source of the outbreak.
“The department is aware of a gastroenteritis outbreak involving guests who attended an Albert Park reception centre on Saturday,” a spokesman said.
“We’re working with Port Phillip Council to investigate the source of the outbreak and to ensure all appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place.”
The venue is working with authorities to determine what caused the outbreak.
“We are working closely with event guests and with council to determine the cause of the outbreak,” The Park told the Herald Sun in a statement.
It’s not believed the illness experienced by the wedding guests is linked to the current outbreak of listeria in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is a short-term illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Some of the causes of gastroenteritis include viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, particular chemicals and some drugs.
The Victoria Department of Health and The Park Melbourne have been contacted for comment.