HEALTH chiefs have issued a warning in Meirionnydd following a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

Public Health Wales and Gwynedd Council are working together to investigate a number of cases of suspected norovirus said to be linked to Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn outdoor activity centre near Bala.

A number of teachers and pupils from various schools as well as Urdd staff are believed to have become unwell at the centre.

Investigations are ongoing into both the source and the cause of the illness, but norovirus is suspected to be the most likely cause, as reports of the illness have swept across the country.

Dr Brendan Mason, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: “We are aware that individuals from various schools are affected.

“Gwynedd environmental health officers are continuing to investigate the incident.

“Anyone who has been ill should not return to work or school for 48 hours after their last symptoms to prevent spreading infection to others.

“We would remind anyone who is unwell at any time with diarrhoea or vomiting that they should seek advice from NHS Direct Wales or their GP if they are concerned about their symptoms.

“It is also important to avoid spreading infection to other people at home, and people who are unwell should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before preparing food, and should not share towels with other people.”

An Urdd spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an illness affected a number of adults and children who were visiting the Glan-llyn Urdd Centre last week.

"Due to several Glan-llyn staff also being affected by the illness, all weekend courses were postponed. Having followed the appropriate procedures, the centre has now re-opened and is operating as normal.”