Norovirus in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

Earlier this week, it was reported that Norovirus was found among security personnel at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. This is particularly concerning due to worries about the health of athletes and fears that it may affect performances. In addition, this is an additional security risk of concern on top of the pressure from the heavily guarded North Korean border just 50 miles away.

Recent reports have found that the number of people working at the Olympics testing positive for Norovirus has risen from 32 to 86 in just two days. The virus, originally found in security personnel, has now been found among staff of the olympics organizing committee, venue employees, and cafeteria workers. The last category is particularly important to note due to the fecal-oral transmission of the virus. Food workers are very effective transmitters of the virus because they are able to deliver the virus into uncooked and undercooked foods and serve them to unsuspecting patrons.

This outbreak has prompted the quarantine of over 1200 personnel in hopes of containing the outbreak. The shortage of staff has required the recruitment of military backup in order to ensure the security of the Olympics.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/08/world/asia/norovirus-olympics-korea.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront

~Scarlett