Salmonella Outbreak at Cavanna Hotel, La Manga, Spain: Over Hundred Guests Affected

Published on August 25, 2025

More than 100 visitors to the Cavanna Hotel in La Manga del Mar Menor, Murcia, Spain, became ill in late August 2025 after contracting symptoms of food poisoning. Serious questions concerning food safety and hygienic standards at well-known vacation spots have been raised by this worrying incident. Authorities believe salmonella bacteria from tainted food may be the cause of the illness, though the precise cause is still being looked into. Among the symptoms reported by the affected guests were nausea, fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea, all of which necessitated immediate medical attention. As health officials hurried to address the crisis, the situation rapidly worsened, and many people needed to be hospitalised.

The Outbreak: Timeline of Events

The outbreak began on Saturday, August 23, 2025, just after lunch, when the first reports of illness surfaced. Guests started experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, with a significant number of them falling ill within a few hours of eating. By Sunday, the situation had worsened, with more than 100 people suffering from the same symptoms. The majority of the affected individuals were tourists visiting the hotel for a relaxing vacation, and a number of them were children. Among the sick were several young children, including a 15-month-old toddler, who were rushed to the Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena for treatment.

As the illness spread quickly among the guests, some of them sought medical attention directly at the hotel. Medical teams from nearby towns such as Cartagena, Los Alcázares, and Puerto Lumbreras were dispatched to provide emergency care. A makeshift treatment area was set up within the hotel’s function room, where intravenous drips were administered to rehydrate the patients and alleviate their symptoms. The local health authorities’ swift action ensured that the situation was contained, preventing further widespread illness. However, the ongoing investigation into the source of the contamination was still in its early stages.

The Investigation: Tracing the Source of Contamination

Health officials wasted no time in launching a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the outbreak. Preliminary findings suggest that the illness may have been linked to a food item served at the hotel’s buffet-style dining area. Authorities speculated that the contamination could have come from salmonella bacteria, a common cause of food poisoning, especially in food prepared under unsanitary conditions or served at improper temperatures. To confirm these suspicions, samples were taken from the hotel’s kitchen, and all food handling processes were put under the microscope.

In response to the crisis, the Regional Ministry of Health ordered the suspension of the hotel’s kitchen operations until further notice. The kitchen was thoroughly disinfected, and staff members were tested for potential contamination. Additionally, the food items from the hotel’s kitchens were sent to laboratories for analysis, with health officials examining every possible point of contamination. It was suspected that a single contaminated food item might have led to the rapid spread of the illness among the guests. However, the final results of the investigation were still awaited as of the latest updates.

Medical Response: On-Site Treatment and Hospitalization

As the situation escalated, a significant number of guests required medical care, with some needing immediate hospitalisation. Reports indicated that at least 20 individuals, including eight children, were taken to local hospitals for further treatment. The Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena and other nearby medical centres were placed on high alert to accommodate the surge in patients. Two individuals were kept under observation for further medical evaluation.

To support the overwhelmed hospital facilities, a temporary treatment station was set up at the Cavanna Hotel. This allowed health professionals to treat the sick directly at the hotel, providing immediate relief to those who could not be transferred to medical facilities. Beach loungers were repurposed as makeshift beds, and intravenous fluids were administered to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea. Guests who were too ill to leave their rooms were treated by medical staff who made house calls.

While the treatment efforts were largely effective in stabilising the patients, there were concerns about the hotel’s response to the crisis. Many guests reported that they were not immediately informed about the seriousness of the situation, and some felt that their health concerns were not addressed in a timely manner. This lack of communication from the hotel management further fuelled frustration among those affected by the outbreak.

The Hotel’s Handling of the Crisis

The hotel’s handling of the outbreak has been criticised by several guests who experienced the illness. According to reports, some visitors felt that the hotel was slow to react to the severity of the situation and failed to provide adequate updates. While the hotel did eventually set up a makeshift emergency room and mobilise medical teams, many guests believed that clearer communication could have alleviated some of their distress.

Moreover, it was noted that the hotel continued to promote its amenities on social media during the crisis. The management posted updates about the availability of cocktails, mojitos, and other attractions at the hotel while the food poisoning situation unfolded. This led to further dissatisfaction, as guests felt that the hotel’s priorities were misplaced during a time of public health concern.

In response to the criticisms, the hotel issued a statement expressing regret for the incident and reassuring the public that efforts were being made to rectify the situation. The hotel also promised to cooperate fully with health authorities in order to prevent any future outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

Tourism and Food Safety: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

The outbreak at the Cavanna Hotel serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety in the hospitality industry, especially within the tourism sector. Hotels and resorts that cater to large numbers of tourists must adhere to strict hygiene standards to avoid situations like the one that occurred in La Manga. Proper food handling practices, temperature control, and regular inspections are essential to ensure the safety of guests.

This incident has brought to light the potential risks faced by tourists when it comes to foodborne illnesses. While the vast majority of holidaymakers enjoy their trips without encountering health problems, outbreaks like the one in La Manga can significantly impact a destination’s reputation. The Cavanna Hotel will likely face heightened scrutiny in the future as health authorities continue their investigation and monitor its operations.

Ongoing Investigation and Impact on La Manga Tourism

The cause of the salmonella outbreak is still being investigated. In the next few days, more results are anticipated from health officials, which may shed more light on the matter. The Cavanna Hotel is still being investigated, and the hotel’s management is fully assisting the police. Unquestionably, the outbreak has hurt La Manga’s tourism industry, but it also emphasises how crucial it is for the hotel and resort sector to uphold strict food safety regulations.

[Image Source: Hotel Izan Cavanna Official Website]