Health officials are investigating the second outbreak of gastroenteritis at a Hamilton restaurant within the last week.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club called in the Health Department on Monday after reports of both staff and patrons falling ill with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Approximately 24 people are thought to have been affected by the bug, which is believed to have been linked to water. The food was ruled out as being to blame.

It is the second incident in a week, with another city centre restaurant having 30 customers affected by a sickness bug.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club general manager George Robinson was one of those who fell ill. He was ill in the middle of last week. The two incidents happened over a period beginning on October 8.

Mr. Robinson called in health officials after becoming aware of other people who had fallen ill.

"I became concerned and called in the Health Department, they have been extremely helpful,'' he said. "Their investigations leaned away from the food. And whatever advice they gave us was gratefully received.'' The restaurant is operating as normal.

Yesterday, chief medical officer John Cann said: "The Department of Health is currently investigating cases of diarrhoea and vomiting among the staff and patrons of a restaurant in Hamilton.

"A causative agent has not been confirmed.'' The first outbreak, at a restaurant which the chief medical officer earlier refused to name, resulted in a series of preventative measures being ordered at the restaurant, to prevent closure.

He called upon the public to report incidents of food poisoning after visiting restaurants.

"This is the second outbreak of gastroenteritis recorded this month,'' he said.

"While the investigation into the first outbreak has not been concluded, the situation is under control, appropriate measures have been instituted and no further case have been reported.'' It is understood the yacht club has followed a list of recommendations given by the health department, including dumping its stock of ice and increasing the chlorine content in its water.

The advice came after a series of investigations at the Hamilton facility.

RESTAURANT EAT