Summary
- Salmonella outbreak at Hotel Cavanna in La Manga has impacted 146 people to date.
- 21 patients are hospitalized: 20 at Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena, including 8 children, and 1 at La Arrixaca Hospital.
- Health authorities have suspended hotel kitchen operations and are investigating the contamination source.
- Symptoms emerge within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
- Murcia region has one of the highest salmonellosis rates in Spain, with rising figures in recent years.
Salmonella Outbreak in La Manga Hotel: 21 Hospitalized and counting
Health authorities in the Region of Murcia have reported a important salmonella outbreak linked to the Hotel Cavanna in La Manga. As of August 26, 2025, 21 patients remain hospitalized due to the food poisoning incident, marking a doubling in the number of hospitalizations sence the previous day.
Current Situation: Hospitalizations and Patient Status
The majority of the hospitalized patients, 20 in total, are receiving care at the Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena. Among these are 12 adults and 8 children. All patients are reported to be in stable condition.Additionally, there is one female patient of middle age admitted to La Arrixaca Hospital who arrived on her own accord.
impact and response
- Total individuals affected: 146
- Emergency response: The 061 Emergency and Urgencies Management team deployed five specialized units and set up a field hospital inside the hotel’s event hall over the weekend.
- Ambulance transfers: Numerous patients were transported to Santa Lucía’s Emergency Department.
Health officials warn that salmonellosis symptoms usually appear between 12 and 36 hours after consuming contaminated food, although in some cases incubation can last up to 72 hours.
Ongoing Investigation and Precautionary Measures
The Epidemiology and food Safety Services along with Public Health laboratories are actively investigating the outbreak to identify the exact source of the infection. A thorough epidemiological protocol has been initiated,comparing food exposure among those affected versus guests who did not fall ill.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s kitchen remains under precautionary suspension to prevent further contamination. Hotel Cavanna has publicly confirmed cooperation with health authorities and stated they have launched extensive disinfection protocols while offering full support to affected guests.
Why Murcia is Especially Vulnerable to Salmonella
The Region of Murcia frequently records some of the highest salmonellosis incidence rates in Spain. According to recent data:
| Year | Reported Cases in Murcia | National Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 507 | Highest in Spain |
| 2023 | 1,077 | Second highest after Cantabria |
| 2024 (partial) | 815 | Data still pending full comparison |
Despite improvements in surveillance systems introduced in 2020,which now allow for more detailed tracking and quicker detection of salmonella outbreaks,Murcia’s incidence remains unusually high compared to other regions like Navarra.
Epidemiologists suggest that Murcia’s extended warm seasons could contribute to increased bacterial transmission, though they acknowledge that additional factors likely play a role and further studies are needed to clarify these elements.
Public Health Advice
If you have recently stayed at Hotel Cavanna or consumed food from there and experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, or vomiting, it is indeed essential to seek immediate medical attention. Salmonellosis typically resolves with proper care but can be serious in vulnerable individuals like children and the elderly.
Key Takeaways
- This outbreak is one of the most significant in recent years for the region.
- Strict hygiene and food safety measures in public and private establishments are crucial to prevent similar events.
- The region’s health authorities maintain robust epidemiological surveillance to quickly identify and control food poisonings.
Health officials continue to urge calm while investigations are ongoing and stress the importance of cooperating with recommended health protocols.
Sources:
- La Verdad - Salmonella outbreak in La Manga hotel
- Murcia Health Department Reports on Salmonellosis (General data reference)