A mass outbreak of the contagious disease is thought to have struck at least 30 guests at the Maritim Berghotel in Braulange, Germany. Thirteen victims were rushed to nearby hospitals after the infection ripped through the hotel, according to German newspaper Goslarsche Zeitung. Three of those hit with the suspected norovirus – often known as the “winter vomiting bug” – were taken to hospital in ambulances.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.
This month, an outbreak of the virus struck the UK, with schools and hospitals closed down.
According to a spokesman for the district of Goslar, 30 of the 400 hotel guests had complained of gastrointestinal problems.
It is feared the head of a tour group may have infected the other victims.
The spokesman said: “She may have spread the virus – this quickly happens if you eat together and do other things.”
Authorities declared the outbreak a “mass casualty incident and paramedics were scrambled to the hotel.
Some of the holidaymakers hit by the hotel outbreak were treated in their hotel rooms.
Braunlage is a health and winter sports centre and one of the oldest ski resorts in Germany.
In the UK this month, a school in Hampshire was shut after a reported outbreak of norovirus.
Around 45 students at Marchwood Junior School showed signs of the winter bug, according to the Southern Daily Echo.
Westbury Infant School in Wiltshire was also forced to close for the day on after a suspected norovirus outbreak.
And Penwortham County Primary School in Preston was closed for a “deep clean” after 40 pupils fell ill.
On Boxing Day, a ward at Stracathro Hospital in Angus, Scotland was closed to new admissions after several cases of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Norovirus is spread through close contact with someone who is already infected.
Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth can also infect you.
Eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus is another way of catching it.