The investigation into cases of disease at the WOMAD Festival is inconclusive

An investigation into several cases of illness following this year’s WOMAD Festival was inconclusive.

It comes after a small number of cases of diarrhea were reported following the event, which took place in Malmesbury from July 27-30.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launched an investigation, but the outcome was inconclusive.

Dr Alasdair Wood told BBC News that although the agency had “considered a number of possible causes”, including food, water, toilet and sanitation facilities, and the results of samples from affected people when available , the tests performed did not identify “individuals”. cause”.

“Given the length of time that has passed since the event, further tests are unlikely to reveal any additional information,” he said.

The UKHSA said they did not perceive any risk to public health due to the illness announced at the festival and that “the number of people who have declared themselves ill is small in proportion to the total number of festivals”.

Following the investigation, organizer WOMAD released a statement to NME saying: “After the UKHSA looked at the various possible causes and the results of the samples from those affected, it was a huge relief we have learned that the outbreak was limited in scope and that there is no evidence to support any concern that the disease may have been caused by actions taken by WOMAD as festival producers or by any of our partners, including food merchants.

“This in no way lessens our concern for anyone affected and we wish them a speedy recovery. We would like to thank the members of the public who shared information about their symptoms and experiences at the WOMAD festival this year.”

Femi Kuti, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cinematic Orchestra, Soul II Soul, Emicida, 47Soul, Jungle Brothers, Ana Tijoux, Tank & The Bangas and ENNY were some of the artists performing at the festival this year.