Gastroenteritis Outbreak Hits Andorra's Sagrada Família School, Affecting Nearly 100

Health authorities in Andorra are investigating a gastroenteritis outbreak at Sagrada Família school in Escaldes-Engordany that has affected nearly 100 people, primarily pupils from infant to secondary levels but also some teachers. No severe cases have occurred, with hospital records showing all linked incidents involved short-lived vomiting and stomach pain that resolved quickly after rehydration and monitoring.

The issue surfaced Friday afternoon, with growing numbers overwhelming paediatric emergency units overnight into Saturday morning. School director Bernat Vilella said the unusual volume of cases became clear Saturday morning, leading to activation of health and education ministry protocols. Vilella, a regular canteen diner who remained unaffected, stressed that most pupils and staff attended classes Monday, with only typical absences noted, including one teacher.

Families received a school alert at 4:30pm Saturday about the "unusual number of gastroenteritis cases," followed by an 8pm ministry survey for every pupil—regardless of symptoms—detailing personal information, class and meals from Wednesday onward. Wednesday's menu featured vegetables, roast chicken and fruit; Thursday offered pineapple salad, hamburguesa with potatoes and tomato sauce, plus ice cream; Friday included Neapolitan pasta (or spaghetti carbonara per some reports), baked fish with salad or vegetables, and fruit. All pupils eat in the same canteen but in two shifts: infant and primary first, secondary later, which could help narrow exposure by group.

While parents suspect Friday lunch—noting unaffected siblings who skipped it for allergies or other reasons—Vilella said the school is avoiding any focus on the canteen or facilities, leaving that to officials. The ministry keeps all hypotheses open, as some affected individuals did not eat there. Monday saw ministry staff visit for sample collection from those impacted and further data gathering. The school completed deep cleaning of all areas, ramped up handwashing, ventilated spaces and served plain rice and chicken for lunch, per guidance to counter any lingering virus.

Vilella emphasised ongoing hygiene compliance, including periodic inspections, trained food handlers and daily cleaning by an external firm. Officials await survey replies and lab results to identify the source and decide on further action, urging family participation.