PyeongChang Olympic 2018: The number of norovirus infections increased rapidly

Organizers on February 8 confirmed that the number of norovirus infections (the group of acute viruses causing gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal infections) has increased to 128 people. However, no athlete was affected after the virus broke out in PyeongChang from the beginning of the week.

Singapore athletes at Olympic Village in Gangneung, South Korea on February 8.(Photo: Yonhap / TTXVN).

According to the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention, on February 8 alone, 42 new cases were recorded, of which 34 were civil security personnel. These people have been isolated and monitored to avoid the risk of spread.

Norovirus is a virus that causes abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. PyeongChang Olympic organizers are conducting tap water testing, checking the process of preparing food and food to track the way of spread. To address the shortage of security personnel due to being isolated due to virus infection, 900 army soldiers were deployed to undertake this task. They will work at 20 competition areas until the affected staff can return to duty.

Earlier on February 6, 1,200 security personnel were asked to withdraw from positions at the PyeongChang Olympic after many of them were infected with the virus, possibly due to food or water. infection.