Bug strikes play centre

Twenty-three cases of gastro-intestinal illness among children and mothers who visited an Auckland play centre have been reported to Public Health.

Dr Greg Simmons, Auckland medical officer of health, said two groups of children visited Lollipops in Ellerslie on April 17.

Within 48 hours 23 people, including at least one mother, suffered vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dr Simmons said an investigation found cleaning procedures at the centre were adequate and none of the employees was ill.

It was likely one of the children had been ill and the bug spread by poor toilet hygiene.

Public health had recommended the centre use a stronger anti-viral disinfectant.