Athletes staying at one of the team hotels for the World Championships in London have fallen victim to a suspected outbreak of norovirus. Reports revealed that 30 athletes and support staff have been affected, with two cases confirmed as the bug.
Botswana’s leading 400m contender Isaac Makwala was withdrawn from Tuesday’s final after vomiting despite saying he was “ready to run”. German and Canadian athletes staying at the Tower Hotel fell ill last week.
German triple jumper Neele Eckhardt collapsed but was well enough to compete on Saturday, and was last in Monday’s final.
The Ireland team, who are also staying at the hotel, have confirmed that one athlete – 400m hurdler Thomas Barr – has been affected.
A Local Organising Committee (LOC) statement said: “There have been a number of cases reported by team members residing within one of the official team hotels.
“Those affected have been supported by both team and LOC medical staff. In addition we have been working with Public Health England to ensure the situation is managed and contained.
As a result, further advice and guidelines have been issued to team doctors and support staff.
Stomach bugs that cause diarrhoea and vomiting are very common and easy to catch. One can get them from eating contaminated food or through contact with people who have got gastroenteritis.
If infected person doesn’t wash their hands before handling food or touching objects and surfaces, there’s a good chance one could get sick too.
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