Inskip Point gastro survivor’s family asks Qld Health to close campgrounds down

The family of a man who almost died after catching highly contagious illness at an Inskip Point campsite wants it shutdown until the bug is eradicated.

The daughter of a man, who almost died from gastroenteritis after getting sick while camping at Inskip Point, has launched a campaign to force authorities to close down the campground and eradicate the infection that has plagued visitors for the past two years.

Parts of Inskip had to be closed and deep cleaned just before Christmas 2020, following an outbreak, and it seems the bug is back.

Camper Michelle Louise posted her father Anthony Peeble’s story and a call to arms on the Caravan and Camping Australia Facebook page (with 190,000 followers) this week. Among the almost 300 comments were anecdotes from several Inskip Pt visitors who had also contracted gastro there, and others who had not.

Michelle and her family, who are based between Toowoomba and Brisbane, were camping on Inskip just a few weeks ago.

“Please help,” Michelle said.

“After arriving (at Inskip) on 24/10, my father began vomiting on 26/10. His symptoms continued to worsen whereby on 27/10 he was taken to see a GP in town,” she said.

“The attending GP immediately called an ambulance upon seeing my Dad.

“He was then transported to Gympie Hospital with a Critical Care Paramedic on board. This bug had somehow entered his bloodstream. This resulted in septicaemia which caused multiple organ failure. He was unable to breathe on his own and was placed on life support before being airlifted to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he was treated.”

Another couple who stayed at Sarawak West in October 18-27 said they too had vomiting and diarrhoea and knew of six other campers who experienced the same symptoms at the same time.

Another camper said his whole family contracted gastro at Inskip in 2019:

“We stayed there in 2019 and we all ended up with Gastro. We had our own supply of water. Only used the drop toilets. Five adults. All got very very sick. Won’t go back as everyone I talk to has had the same experience,” they said.

After catching gastro while camping at Inskip in October 2021, Anthony Peebles had to be airlifted to SCUH where he was placed on life support.

The Department of Environment and Science announced on Thursday, November 4, that it had joined forces with Queensland Health to find out what caused the latest outbreak.

Campers visiting the peninsula have been urged to make personal hygiene their top priority, and to bring their own portable toilets if possible.

“Campgrounds remain open, however, we are not taking any new bookings at the two Sarawack camping areas until November 15 as a precaution,” a DES spokesperson said.

“As we approach Christmas school holidays, we are taking a proactive approach and are working with Queensland Health,” they said.

Extra rangers have been rostered on to provide additional campground services and advice where needed to ensure the health and wellbeing of campers already on Inskip.

“Rangers and contract cleaners have been deep cleaning the amenities at Inskip in a two-step cleaning and disinfecting process, as per Queensland Health guidelines, to help minimise the risks of viral transmission this season,” the DES spokesperson said.

“Rangers are increasing the frequency of cleaning as a further precaution and amenities will have increased soap and sanitising supplies, but the best advice is for campers is to bring their own and be self-sufficient.

“QPWS has been liaising regularly with Queensland Health about measures to reduce the risks and impacts of illness on campers.

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation and are constantly reviewing the outbreak as information comes to hand.”

The family of a man who almost died after catching gastro while camping recently at Inskip Pt wants Qld Health and the DES to close the hugely popular campgrounds to the public until the disease is completely eradicated.

“Two of the camping sites were closed in December 2020 for 72 hours to prevent further transmission and enable a deep clean of the facilities,” she said.

“This has not been successful as cases of gastroenteritis from campers are still being reported.

“I have contacted Qld Health to request the grounds be closed immediately and only be reopened if the bug can be eradicated.

‘Why?

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife have a duty of care to all visitors. The grounds need to be shut off to all visitors until such time as the bug/virus has been eradicated.

“To assist with this, our family would like to ask that if you have attended the grounds and presented with gastroenteritis symptoms to please report this to Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit by emailing [e-mail]

“The more cases reported the best chance we have of protecting our fellow campers.”