Salmonella Outbreak at Cavanna Hotel Sends Shockwaves Through La Manga Tourism
Murcia, August 25, 2025 — Tourism in Murcia has taken an alarming turn after a suspected salmonella outbreak at the Cavanna Hotel in La Manga del Mar Menor left more than 100 guests ill, prompting a regional health emergency that has deeply impacted hotel operations and visitor confidence.
Timeline & Medical Emergency Response
The outbreak first emerged on Saturday, August 23, shortly after guests returned from lunch. Within a few hours, numerous visitors—many with nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever—sought urgent medical help. By Sunday, over 100 guests were affected, including young children, with a 15‑month‑old toddler among those rushed to Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena.
A temporary field hospital was quickly established within the hotel’s function room. Medical professionals from Cartagena, Los Alcázares, and Puerto Lumbreras responded swiftly. They converted beach loungers into improvised hospital beds and administered IV fluids to rehydrate the afflicted.
Official Response & Kitchen Shutdown
The Regional Ministry of Health acted decisively, ordering an immediate suspension of the hotel’s kitchen operations. Authorities carried out a thorough disinfection of the facilities and launched an epidemiological investigation. Health inspectors collected samples from the kitchen and food handlers to identify the contamination source, with preliminary findings pointing to salmonella bacteria—likely from a single buffet item—as the culprit.
Guests speculated that dishes such as fish or spinach-filled pasta served at the buffet may have been involved, though official confirmation is still pending .
Guest Experiences & Communication Breakdown
Some families reported being ill-informed about the magnitude of the outbreak. One guest, whose pregnant wife was hospitalized, criticized the hotel’s slow response and lack of communication—even as the hotel continued to post about cocktails and other amenities on social media during the crisis . This added to the dismay of guests already dealing with dehydration and illness.
Public Health Implications & Tourism Sector Wake-Up Call
This health crisis underscores the vulnerability of tourism hubs to foodborne risks. The incident highlights the essential need for rigorous hygiene practices in buffet service standards, regular inspections, and proactive emergency plans—particularly during high occupancy periods.
Hoteliers and local officials are now bracing for the broader impact on La Manga’s reputation and visitor confidence. While the region remains a beloved summer destination, this outbreak may prompt stricter oversight and safety protocols to reassure future travelers.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What Happened | Over 100 guests sickened by suspected salmonella at Cavanna Hotel in La Manga. |
| Where & When | La Manga del Mar Menor, Region of Murcia; started August 23, 2025. |
| Health Response | Field hospital on-site; 20 hospitalized (including children); kitchen disinfection. |
| Cause Under Review | Salmonella suspected from buffet items; investigation underway. |
| Tourist Impact | Disrupted vacation plans; shaken trust in food safety protocols. |
| Takeaway for Travellers | Seek certified hotel hygiene, have travel insurance covering illness, act swiftly when symptoms appear. |
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