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AAP
AAP
Health
Callum Godde

Health officials probe gastro outbreak linked to venue

A gastro outbreak linked to a Melbourne function venue has caused at least 140 people fall ill. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

More than 100 guests have fallen ill after a mysterious gastro outbreak linked to a function venue in Melbourne's southeast.

Victoria's health department has been notified of a gastroenteritis outbreak at The Park Melbourne on September 13 and 16 across separate events.

At least 70 people from each event have reported feeling unwell so far.

The Albert Park venue hosted the annual Australia and New Zealand Burns Association conference last week but the event was forced online for its last day on Friday after attendees fell ill.

Other guests were struck down after a wedding dinner at the venue on Saturday.

An investigation has been launched into the outbreak but the cause of the illnesses is not yet known.

"We are following standard process and working with Port Phillip Council and South East Public Health Unit to investigate the source of the outbreak and ensure all appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place," a Department of Health spokeswoman said.

The health department has not established if there is a link to an ongoing cluster of listeriosis cases in Victoria.

The Park venue manager Bahaa Harb said no issues with health and safety practices were found during a "routine" inspection on Friday.

"We have conducted a precautionary deep clean and have received approval from council to continue trading," Mr Harb said in a statement.

"We will continue to work closely with the City of Port Phillip to determine the cause of this outbreak and will keep our customers and impacted parties notified of the investigation's findings."

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