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Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Many Ahead of Pyeongchange Olympic Games

Roughly 1,200 Olympic Security Guards Quarantined

The Winter Olympics in South Korea is upon us. Opening ceremonies are set for Friday (Feb. 9th) in Pyeongchang. Just days before actual events kick off they’ve run into a problem. Seems as though something is bound to happen before each Olympics. I mean, what is an Olympic Games without some serious controversy? Remember Sochi, 2014?

The outbreak is called Norovirus, a virus that causes inflammation of the stomach, or intestines or both.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms as; diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus, with most people recovering within one to three days.

According to a statement issued by the organizing committee,

“900 military personnel have been deployed to take over the work of the civil safety personnel. They will work across 20 venues until all affected workforce are able to return to duty.”

Health authorities are focusing on tap water, although tests of water used for cooking and general consumption so far have been negative. They are also doing a thorough inspection on food and food preparation. Authorities are also are beefing up hygiene inspections at food facilities across the Olympic venues.

Wishing the best for all of the Olympic Athletes at this year’s games and that this virus can be contained for everyone quickly.

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