More than 1,200 security guards have been withdrawn from the Pyeongchang (South Korea) Winter Olympics because of a norovirus outbreak. Out of the group, 41 suffered a sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea. They were transferred to hospital and most were diagnosed with a norovirus infection.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can also be spread through food or water contamination.
“The 1,200-odd people were pulled out from their duties,” an official of the Pyeongchang Olympic Organizing Committee told AFP. “They were replaced by some 900 military soldiers.”
Health authorities were investigating the origin of the virus, he said.
The security guards, all employees from a security company, had been accommodated at a youth training center in Pyeongchang, separate from the athletes’ village.
This is exactly the type of scenario that Microshield help people avoid. Used preventatively, our long lasting disinfectant shield coats all surfaces, reducing the risk of cross contamination and the spread of infection. Wiping is not necessarily disinfecting and Norovirus can last up to a month on surfaces. Microshield provide an inexpensive and highly effective method of infection prevention.