Norovirus outbreak floors over a hundred spa guests in Jeseník

An outbreak of intestinal infection at a spa resort in the town of Jeseník has affected 111 people, six of whom had to be hospitalised. According to the Regional Hygiene Station in Olomouc, the first sample taken from patients confirmed the presence of highly contagious norovirus — results of the remaining tests are still pending.

As explained by hygiene station spokesperson Markéta Koutná, the illness is commonly known as the "stomach flu." Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, occasionally accompanied by fever. In most cases, symptoms resolve on their own within one to three days without special treatment, but in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, the infection can lead to severe dehydration requiring medical attention.

Guests complain of unsanitary conditions

News of the outbreak sparked a wave of discussion on social media. Many spa visitors believe management underestimated the risks and failed to act in time. "I've never seen a spa like this. The cutlery was dirty, so were the plates. As for the tablecloths… ugh," wrote one guest. Another visitor said an extra vat of hot tea and pastries had been set out in the dining hall, with both sick and healthy guests reaching for the same food.

One visitor, Marek Sostok, said his entire family fell ill within hours of simply walking around the spa grounds and having dessert with lemonade at a café near the main building — this happened on 13 August 2026. Another man, Jiří Tomeš, recalled catching the infection at the spa in late June, bringing it home and passing it on to his whole family — recovery took about ten days.

The spa has taken action

Commercial director Kateřina Tomášková stated on social media last week that the facility had already taken the necessary measures and that staff were doing everything possible, asking the public not to panic.

Hygiene officials continue to monitor the situation. According to Markéta Koutná, anti-epidemic measures have been introduced at the spa, including an epidemiological investigation, stool sample collection from food-preparation staff, hand disinfection provisions, intensified cleaning of premises including toilets, health monitoring of staff, and kitchen inspections with food sample testing.

Spa director Roman Provazník confirmed the measures to the Czech news agency ČTK, specifying that they include surface and hand disinfection, informing guests, organising sample collection from newly affected patients, and regular reporting on the number of cases. "The spa is operating as usual," he added.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz