An investigation was launched by NSW Health last week to find out why 55 children and their teachers became violently ill with nausea, vomiting, dehydration and diarrhoea during a three-day stay at the Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre. 

Eleven ambulances from across the region and medical staff from Wagga Base Hospital were called to the centre around 1am after a number of children presented with a mystery illness.

Initially the number of those affected was only small, but it quickly became apparent it was highly contagious with around 55 falling ill over the course of just a few hours. 

The situation turned into a major incident in the eyes of health authorities prompting an investigation by NSW Health, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Public Health Unit and an environmental health officer. 

The centre was locked down in a bid to stop the illness spreading and effectively manage treatment, according to MLHD director of nursing Irene Hing. 

“The skills and efforts of our staff in containing this outbreak and caring for a large number of children and adults is to be commended,” she said. 

Hospital staff were also praised by paramedics from NSW Ambulance at the scene. 

Paramedic Andrew Long of Young, a relieving supervisor at the centre, said a hospital doctor and nurse were quick in establishing a triage zone for patients. 

While students were sent home around 7.30am, investigations were still continuing to pinpoint the cause. 

The camp saw students from three schools attend, including all of St Mary’s Year 5 class of 53 children, two teachers, one special aid teacher and a parent, who happened to be a paramedic.

Prior to parents travelling to collect their children, doctors and paramedics on scene advised those affected with the illness to stay away from the remaining population for the next 24 hours upon their return home.

A St Mary’s teacher and the parent paramedic gave hygiene talks with Young’s students, who were said to be “very receptive” to the advice. 

Of the 49 affected, a number of students (inclusive) were believed to have fallen ill over the weekend after the outbreak.

Saturday morning’s cricket events and some basketball games in Young were cancelled due to the illness.

NSW Health has since announced there have been no new cases of gastro since Friday’s outbreak.

The outbreak caused much distress for Borambola centre manager Peter Santin. 

“Obviously we are very upset that is has happened at our centre, but I am pleased to report that our staff, working closely with the schools, swung into action to ensure all the affected kids and teachers received prompt medical treatment,” he said last week. 

“The children and teachers have all been real troopers and I sincerely thank the medical team who came out to treat the patients.”