Footscray City College students sick after gastro outbreak
Dozens of Footscray City College students have been struck down with gastroenteritis during VCE exams after celebrating the end of Year 12 with a dinner at Flemington Racecourse.
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The Victoria Racing Club says the cause of a gastro outbreak linked to one of its exclusive restaurants has not yet been determined.
At least 39 diners have suffered confirmed cases of gastroenteritis after attending a Footscray City College event in a swanky restaurant overlooking the Flemington Racecourse.
A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said no pathogens had been found during the testing of food samples served at the dinner, indicating the outbreak was most likely caused by a viral infection than contaminated food.
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Footscray City College shared pictures of the Year 12 students celebrating their graduation night in the Atrium Room.
A video shows students linking arms and chanting while dancing to the Black Eyed Peas alongside the caption: “The 2019 Grads getting loose after a big year!”
The gastro outbreak came as students prepare for exams, which kick off in earnest from Wednesday, when all students take the English exam, followed by Psychology, Biology and Further Maths.
VRC sources denied a link between the outbreak and food served at the event, stating early information pointed to a viral illness, rather than one which could have been spread by contaminated meals.
In statement released to the Herald Sun, the VRC said the City of Melbourne had informed club no cause of illness has yet been established.
“The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and its onsite catering partner Peter Rowland have been informed that several students became ill in the days following a school function at Flemington Racecourse,” the VRC said.
“The relevant authorities were notified and extensive and rigorous cleaning of the food preparation, serving areas and venue facilities was undertaken as per City of Melbourne instructions for a viral infection.
“The venue has since been inspected by City of Melbourne which granted approval for the venue to continue to operate as normal.”
The October 18 event was attended by up to 455 people, including students, to celebrate the end of Year 12, meaning many have been struck down with an illness during their crucial exams.
A total of 108 Year 12 students attended the graduation celebration, with several later becoming ill.
Footscray City College principal Angelique den Brinker said despite VCE exams running at the time, “no students have requested special consideration following the event”.
“The school has been in contact with students and staff to provide them with support if needed,” she said.
“We are continuing to support students as they prepare for their Year 12 exams.”
It’s understood most students who were at the event attended the school this week for VCE practice exams.
Students impacted by illness or personal circumstances during VCE exams can apply to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) for special consideration.
A City of Melbourne spokeswoman confirmed it was investigating the October 18 event, but said it was too early to know what had caused 39 people to become ill.
“The City of Melbourne is working closely with the affected school and the Department of Health and Human Services to complete the investigation,” she said.
“It is too early to determine the cause of the illness. Testing is being conducted on food samples, environmental swabs and faecal samples. No pathogens have been found among the samples tested so far, however further testing is ongoing.
“If you feel sick, we recommend seeking medical advice, drinking plenty of water and washing your hands thoroughly and regularly. We also recommend visiting your local GP and requesting a faecal sample be collected and tested for pathogens and viruses.
“A full cleandown has been conducted as per the Department of Health and Human Service guidelines. Council has inspected The Atrium twice this week, including to ensure that an extensive clean has been completed.
“Council officers will attend Flemington Racecourse during Spring Racing Carnival as part of the City of Melbourne’s regular monitoring program.”
The Flemington food poisoning incident comes as the Victoria Racing Club prepared to host hundreds of thousands of racegoers during the Spring Racing Carnival, and the Melbourne Cup on November 5.
The spate of illness hit during VCE exams, with students currently sitting performance tests for music, theatre, drama, dance and languages.
Pupils taking those subjects have been allocated a testing time as early as October 7.
Department of Health spokesman Graeme Walker confirmed said authorities were notified of the incident in the days after illnesses emerged, though the seriousness of symptoms suffered by individuals is not yet known.
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“There were 455 attendees and 39 have come down with gastro symptoms,” Mr Walker said.
The Flemington Racecourse outbreak follows an incident at an exclusive MCG Anzac Day AFL match, in which 30 diners became ill with suspected food poisoning before the Collingwood v Essendon clash.
A Department of Health investigation was not able to find the exact cause of the MCG gastro outbreak.