An investigation has started into how guests and staff at one of Bradford district’s top hotels contracted what is believed to be a highly-infectious norovirus vomiting bug.

The Health Protection Agency and Bradford Council are carrying out the probe after guests and workers at the Hollins Hall Hotel in Baildon reported diarrhoea and vomiting.

The hotel at Hollins Hill is a popular wedding venue and country club with its own restaurant, spa and 18-hole golf course.

Health expert Dr Ebere Okereke, a consultant in communicable disease control at West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, said a “small number” of people had had the sickness, which is believed to be norovirus.

He said the HPA and Council environmental health officials were now working with the hotel’s management to pinpoint the exact cause of the illness.

Dr Okereke said: “We are aware of a small number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in guests and staff at a Baildon hotel.

“Although a common cause of illness has not been confirmed, it is most likely to have been caused by a type of viral gastro-enteritis, such as norovirus.”

He added: “Viral gastro-enteritis bugs are highly infectious and spread very easily from person to person, and so it’s important to remind people just how vital it is to follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing.”

The HPA is warning people to look out for symptoms of viral stomach bugs following the outbreak.

Where possible, people who believe they are infected should stay away from school or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

They should also drink plenty of fluids and rest to prevent dehydration and delay visits to people who are particularly vulnerable to infection.

Dr Okereke added: “Although it can be very unpleasant, this kind of illness is generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within a few days.

“Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for these viruses, apart from letting the illness run its course and so, in most cases, there is no benefit to visiting a GP or A&E department.”

Alan Richmond, general manager of the Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club, said sickness had been reported by a very small number of guests.

He said: “We are doing all we can to co-operate with the investigation of the HPA. We are operating as normal and they are happy with what we are doing.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the outbreak and our environmental health team are assisting with the investigation.”

Anyone with symptoms that carry on for more than 48 hours should contact their family doctor or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.