Updated 7.45pm - Point source being suspected

Health authorities are investigating a possible food poisoning outbreak at Mater Dei and Karin Grech hospitals after dozens of patients at both hospitals developed suspicious symptoms.

Sources told Times of Malta that public health inspectors were looking into the meals provided at hospitals.

An estimated 30 patients were taken ill at Mater Dei, while sources said that patients in seven out of nine wards at Karin Grech had also been affected. 

In a statement this evening, the government said symptoms were presented within a couple of hours of each other so a point source was being suspected.

In two separate statements, Mater Dei and Karin Grech hospitals confirmed that "a number" of patients had been diagnosed with sudden onset gastritis over the past hours.

Several wards at both hospitals have been closed to new admissions as a result. 

The same caterer provides hospital meals to both Mater Dei and Karin Grech hospitals. It is not known if the provider also services other facilities.

The government said laboratory analysis has detected norovirus in samples taken from the involved patients. Norovirus is the commonest cause of winter vomiting or “gastric flu”.

A public health investigation is underway to establish the primary source of the infection.

An inspection at the hospitals’ catering supplier was carried out and a number of samples were being analysed. 

Back in 2006, some 45 cases of gastroenteritis affecting patients and another two affecting members of staff were reported at St Luke's Hospital.