Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor shut down after guests report symptoms of Norovirus

The Health Ministry shut down a hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula after 40 hotel guests reported symptoms of diarrhea and nausea.

Health officials determined the presence of the Norovirus, a gastrointestinal virus that is transmitted in contaminated food or water or person-to-person. It is known to affect contained communities such as dormitories, cruise ships, hospitals and prisons.

The Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor was closed on Sunday and will remain so at least through the New Year’s. Health officials were looking for the source of the virus is determined, said hotel spokeswoman Doris Falconer. Meanwhile, guests are being transferred to nearby hotels or are issued full refunds. The Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor is one of the only all-inclusive resorts in the country and has been popular among local tourists.

Health Minister Maria Luisa Avila told the daily La Nación that the case of Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor is unusual as the company has been known to adhere to high hygienic standards.  

When The Tico Times contacted the international reservation department, reservation agents were unaware of the outbreak. For the latest information, contact the hotel directly at 2683-0303. If you were affected by the outbreak at Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor, email The Tico Times at info@ticotimes.net.