Oelde: Over 70 people report gastrointestinal illness after visiting snack bar

More than 70 people in Oelde, located in the Warendorf district, have reported gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea after visiting a local snack bar. The number of reported cases rose sharply from an initial 15 to over 70 within a few days.

All affected individuals reported consuming food at the same establishment over the previous weekend. While the snack bar is a kebab shop, authorities have not yet established a direct link to specific kebab dishes, as customers consumed various different items. Three individuals also sought treatment at the Oelde hospital due to severe symptoms.

Local authorities have ordered a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the premises, which remains open. Food and environmental samples, as well as stool samples from employees, have been sent to a laboratory in Münster for analysis. The exact cause, whether bacterial or viral, remains unknown pending the laboratory results. Previous hygiene inspections of the business had found no deficiencies.