More than 40 Ukrainian refugees residing at a rest and reception centre in North Cork have fallen ill with a vomiting bug in recent days.
The centre, which is temporarily housing mostly women and children who fled the violence in Ukraine, is a community hall that features a gym and astroturf facility, in Banteer.
According to reports, the bug had infected those who arrived at the centre yesterday which indicates the virus could have been picked up elsewhere.
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People began reporting symptoms yesterday evening and so ambulances and medics rushed to the centre to provide treatment and to investigate the cause of illness.
There were a number of people experiencing more serious side effects, all of whom have been taken to hospital for treatment.
Cork North-West TD Michael Moynihan told CorkBeo that he was told it was a 'very sudden' outbreak with a number of new arrivals 'very badly affected'.
"As I understand it, the medics, ambulance crews, doctors responded very quickly, in a major way, and have been working there with the people who are sick," he said.
It's believed that at one stage, there were around ten ambulances from several regions at the community hall as part of a rapid response to the outbreak.
A spokesperson for Cork County Council said: "A total of 46 Ukrainian refugees were placed in emergency rest centre accommodation in Banteer on Saturday night 16th April."
"A number of refugees complained of feeling unwell upon arrival. Medical assistance was called immediately and medical help was present on-site overnight.
"The HSE's Public Health Unit has been mobilised and the centre currently has restricted access while the matter is being addressed."
It has been a major community effort in the small north Cork community, to ready the facility for the rapid arrival of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.
Cork County Council is the lead agency for the facility, which is also being run with the help of local community groups, who have worked tirelessly to collect clothing, toiletries and other essentials along with toys for children.
The mostly volunteer groups helping the new arrivals in Banteer are still appealing for help from the wider community and they would especially like to hear from translators who speak Russian or Ukrainian.
The centre also needs toiletries and devices such as laptops, tablets, 2-pin European/to Irish plug adaptors and phone chargers. Other items including plastic transparent storage boxes, cots, highchairs, child buggies, like-new children’s toys and dressing gowns would also be welcome.
Those who can help can contact the Irish Red Cross or the local tems involved by contacting helen.osullivan@irdduha
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