Explosive diarrhoea virus outbreak at sex-positive Euro music festival loved by Brits
Norovirus cases are causing total havoc at a popular queer music festival, leading to organisers to speak out about the grim illness spreading through their attendees
The festival organisers have spoken out (Image: Whole Festival)
A massive outburst of a grim disease that makes you vomit and defecate uncontrollably is sweeping through a popular music festival, with officials warning that the bug is being transmitted by person-to-person contact.
Attendees at the sex positive queer electronic music festival WHOLE in Gräfenhainichen, Germany, are currently doing their best to dodge norovirus, which according to reports has already swept through dozens of dancers on day one.
The festival, popular with many in Britain’s queer music scene and featuring several UK acts on its billing, is described by its website as “one of the most vital queer gatherings in the world . . .where rave energy meets reflection, and pleasure exists alongside care.
60 attendees have caught the bug so far(Image: Whole Festival)
However, the good vibes have been put on hold for at least 60 attendees who are believed to be suffering the virus, which causes a number of nasty symptoms including nausea, severe vomiting, and watery diarrhoea and painful stomach cramps.
Local health authorities have confirmed that at least two samples from infected attendees have been tested at the lab and confirmed as norovirus, with officials adding that current evidence appears to suggest that it is being transmitted through phsyical contact rather than contaminated food.
However, according to German news outlet BILD, health inspectors did spot several hygiene issues at the festival site, such as inadequate protection of food.
The festival is popular within Britain’s LGBTQ+ rave scene (Image: Whole Festival)
Festival organisers have stressed that water sources at the site have also been tested and do not pose any risks in terms of swimming or drinking.
In a statement published on Instagram, they said: “During our build week, a small number of crew members experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. We have been working in close coordination with the local health department to assess the situation and confirmed through a lab analysis that it is Norovirus.”
“The drinking water has been tested and confirmed safe to consume, and the lake is safe for swimming.”
Norovirus is highly contagious, and common symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain(Image: Getty Images)
“We can confirm that the situation is quickly stabilising. We have been working closely with our medical team and the local health authorities and have implemented enhanced hygiene measures across the site, including increased routine cleaning and disinfection.”
“These measures are in place to ensure the festival can open safely as planned and to protect our WHOLE community.” They add that all attendees should wash their hands regularly with soap and water, use the hand sanitiser stations available across the site, and If they feel unwell before travelling or during the festival look for help from the onsite medical team.
