People struck down with a mystery illness after visiting a water park are being urged to isolate until their symptoms have gone, as test results are awaited to find out the cause.

The Whitemills Wake Water and Aqua Park in Sandwich, which only launched last month, remained closed today as health officials continued to carry out checks.

A number of visitors who visited the lake last week suffered symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

Today, the south eastern branch of the government’s UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised those who were unwell to stay isolated to stop it spreading.

A spokesman said: "UKHSA South East is working with Dover District Council (DDC) and other agencies after a number of people reported feeling unwell after visiting Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park, in Sandwich."

Dr Anjali Pai, consultant in health protection, added: “Those affected have described symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and a fever, although none have been seriously unwell.

“Our advice to anyone affected is to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stay away from work, clubs, swimming pools and other water and social activities until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours to prevent any spread.

"We are working to minimise risk to the public...."

"If symptoms continue, please contact your GP and where possible provide a stool sample for testing.

“The park closed to the public while tests are carried out and we are working with Environmental Health Officers to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to minimise any risk to the public.”

Visitors took to social media to describe how they and members of their families had fallen ill late last week.

One person posted on Facebook: “All people in our party - three separate families - have been very sick within 48 hours of using the lake Tuesday of this week.”

Another wrote: “Please be careful if you have used the new Sandwich aqua park this week. Two families are poorly today, including us.

"Symptoms including temperature and vomiting. The council has been informed.”

Management closed the centre in Ash Road last Friday, saying it would stay shut until results from new water tests returned.

It contacted customers to cancel bookings and offer alternative dates and vouchers.

KentOnline has asked health officials exactly how many people were known to have been taken ill.

Director Wayne Cooper said on Saturday the centre had heard from 20 people saying they or their children had been unwell over the previous week.

But he said there had been about 2,000 visitors over that time.

He said: “This is all a mystery to us. We don’t know what has caused it. We had water samples two weeks ago and they were clear.”

A spokesman for Dover District Council said: “DDC is working with the UK Health Security Agency and the Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park to look into these concerns. DDC takes all complaints seriously and is carrying out a full and thorough investigation."

The water park opened for the first time on July 9. It has inflatable climbing frames and slides in the centre of a lake, plus activities such as open water swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.

If you have been affected, contact ddc.publicprotection@dover.gov.uk