What should have been a relaxing late-summer holiday turned into a nightmare for guests at a beachfront hotel in La Manga. More than 100 people staying at the Cavanna Hotel fell ill with symptoms of food poisoning, forcing health officials to set up a temporary hospital inside the building. Guests described scenes more like an emergency ward than a holiday resort, with children hooked up to IV drips and families waiting anxiously for help in the hotel corridors. Illness strikes after lunch The first cases appeared just hours after lunch on August 23. At first, only a few guests reported feeling unwell, but by the evening, more families were affected with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. By August 24, the number of confirmed cases had soared past 100. Among the patients was a 15-month-old baby who was taken to Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena with a high fever. Children among the most vulnerable Parents told of frightening moments as their children suddenly became weak and dehydrated. Health teams treated many children with rehydration solutions and IV fluids, while more serious cases were transferred to hospital. In total, 20 people required hospital treatment, though most were later discharged. Two patients remained under observation on the night of August 24, but officials confirmed their condition was not serious. Emergency response inside the hotel The sheer number of people falling ill led to an extraordinary response from the regional health service. Ambulances and medical staff were called in from Cartagena, Murcia, Los Alcázares, Puerto Lumbreras, and La Manga itself. Around 20 health professionals worked through the weekend to stabilise patients. The hotel’s function room was converted into a field hospital, with beach loungers and makeshift beds used to treat the sick. Other guests were treated directly in their rooms with fluids and light diets. Investigating the cause Health inspectors quickly launched an investigation into the source of the outbreak. Samples were taken from the hotel kitchen, and food handlers were also tested. While the exact dish responsible has not yet been identified, several guests pointed to fish served at the buffet and a spinach-filled pasta dish as possible culprits. As a precaution, authorities suspended kitchen operations and ordered a full disinfection of the facilities. Questions over food safety For the visitors it came as a complete shock. Instead of enjoying their final summer break, they found themselves surrounded by stretchers and IV stands. The outbreak has raised wider concerns about food safety in large tourist hotels, especially during busy weekends when kitchens are under pressure to serve hundreds of meals at once. What happens next Health officials confirmed that salmonella was detected in the first laboratory results and remains the most likely cause of the outbreak. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact source and to make sure similar incidents are prevented in the future. For now, the priority remains the recovery of those affected and restoring confidence for holidaymakers who choose La Manga as a summer destination.