Mystery illness outbreak in Caldas da Rainha grows to 122 cases

Health authorities are continuing to investigate a mysterious outbreak in Caldas da Rainha after the number of people reporting symptoms consistent with food poisoning or gastroenteritis rose to 122, while the cause remains unknown.

According to the Local Health Unit of Oeste (ULS Oeste), 122 people have so far been identified with compatible symptoms, although that figure could increase as officials continue contacting participants. The authority said all reported cases have shown a favourable clinical evolution, with no serious illnesses or hospital admissions. The symptoms have generally resolved spontaneously within a short period.

The most commonly reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and headaches.

Health officials are working to determine the source of the outbreak and whether any preventive measures will be required to avoid further cases. Biological, food and surface samples have been collected for laboratory analysis as the investigation continues.

The majority of those affected attended Footmania, an international youth football tournament held in Caldas da Rainha between Saturday and Wednesday, which brought together around 1,200 young athletes, coaches and accompanying family members from several countries.

However, Caldas da Rainha Mayor Vítor Marques has said that some local residents who had no connection to the tournament have also developed similar symptoms, raising further questions about the source of the outbreak.

Portugal’s Authority for Food and Economic Safety (ASAE) has inspected two businesses linked to the event but reported no serious irregularities in either the premises or the food supplied.

Public health authorities and ASAE have also ruled out the public water supply and the nearby Óbidos Lagoon as potential sources of contamination.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials seek to identify the cause of the illness and establish whether the cases share a common source.

Source: Nascer do SOL/Lusa

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident