Stomach flu hits 145 hikers in Alpine huts
Nearly 150 hikers in Alpine huts in Germany’s Allgäu region came down with a severe gastrointestinal infection after drinking contaminated water this weekend. Police have closed the facilities and are investigating the incident on suspicions of negligent assault.
Around 40 people were treated in local hospitals from the popular Rappensee huts at 2,019 metres (6,624 feet), police in Kempten said late on Sunday. Some were still under the care of doctors on Sunday in the Bavarian town. Others received aid on site by doctors who volunteered to help in the emergency.
“Many hikers were able to get themselves back down into the valley with or without treatment,” a police spokesperson said.
Police closed the facilities on Sunday to disinfect the buildings and stop the cycle of new infections.
Authorities believe there was a problem with the water purification system at the huts, which belong to the DAV German mountaineering association.
Other alpine huts in the area have increased their hygiene measures, police said.
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Around 40 people were treated in local hospitals from the popular Rappensee huts at 2,019 metres (6,624 feet), police in Kempten said late on Sunday. Some were still under the care of doctors on Sunday in the Bavarian town. Others received aid on site by doctors who volunteered to help in the emergency.
“Many hikers were able to get themselves back down into the valley with or without treatment,” a police spokesperson said.
Police closed the facilities on Sunday to disinfect the buildings and stop the cycle of new infections.
Authorities believe there was a problem with the water purification system at the huts, which belong to the DAV German mountaineering association.
Other alpine huts in the area have increased their hygiene measures, police said.
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