fashionable children’s journey farm park has been closed briefly following an outbreak of E.coli at first of the college holidays.

Hobbledown, close to Epsom in Surrey, has been shut since July 27 whereas investigations happen after three kids up to now have fallen ailing with the bacterial infection following their go to to the attraction.

Specialists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are analyzing the circumstances of STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) and are testing on the website, alongside environmental well being officers from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

Hobbledown has contacted everybody who has visited since July 12 to alert them to the signs.

It has no set date for reopening at this stage, in line with the UKHSA.

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The outbreak comes simply as the college holidays get into full swing – a peak time for the attraction.

Trish Mannes, regional deputy director for UKHSA South East, stated: “We are investigating potential sources of these infections and precautionary public health measures are being put in place to help prevent further cases.

“STEC can cause illness ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. In a small number of people, it can lead to more serious outcomes.

“Whilst STEC is very infectious, the most effective way to prevent the spread of the illness is by following good hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet, handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals.”

It added that alcohol gel is just not efficient in stopping E.coli infections.

In most circumstances, the signs of STEC an infection resolve inside a number of days, however UKHSA stated, in uncommon cases, critical problems can happen, notably in kids, though anybody of any age might be affected by the sickness.

It is advising anybody who has, or lately had, signs related to E.coli since attending the farm to contact NHS 111.

This is an uncommon and, fortunately, uncommon occasion, and if in case you have not exhibited any signs there may be nothing to fret about

In an electronic mail to guests, Hobbledown Epsom proprietor Nick de Candole stated: “Please be assured we take all possible precautions to ensure the safety of our guests on site and any interactions with animals.

“This is an unusual and, thankfully, rare event, and if you have not exhibited any symptoms there is nothing to worry about.”

He added that the location hopes to reopen “very soon”.

It is providing to refund tickets for individuals who have booked to go throughout in the course of the momentary closure, or to rearrange, plus 50% off their subsequent go to.