Investigation launched after a number of attendees fall sick at WOMAD Festival

An investigation has been launched by the The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West and WOMAD Festival, after a small number of festival goers fell ill at the event at Charlton Park, Malmesbury.

A number of attendees reported symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting following at the annual event, which took place between July 27 and July 30.

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Dr Alasdair Wood from UKHSA South West told the BBC that the team are currently trying to identify any “common links” between those affected.

“People have reported experiencing diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a high temperature,” he said.

Dr Wood explains: “People who become unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and should stay off work, education and childcare settings until symptoms have stopped for two days, as this is when you’re most infectious”.

“We also advise that people wash their hands thoroughly when handling food and after using the toilet, to help prevent the spread of infection,” he added.

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Dr Wood urges people whose symptoms do not settle after two days to call their GP or NHS 111 for medical advice.

Femi Kuti, Jungle Brothers and Soul II Soul were among some of the names that performed at this year’s WOMAD.

The festival is built on the anagram, World of Music, Arts and Dance and dubs itself as a space that “brings together artists from all over the globe.”

WOMAD are yet to release a statement on the matter.

[Via: BBC News]

Becky Buckle is Mixmag’s Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter