Norovirus, an unexpected 2018 Olympic competitor

Athletic stars are not the only ones making an appearance at the Olympic Games in South Korea.

Norovirus has sickened nearly 200 volunteers and staff at the games.  

Health officials are working hard to figure out where the infections came from. Early reports have linked the outbreak to contaminated water that was used to prepare food at a training center. 

Norovirus, which can be spread through your poop, wins a gold medal for sprinting, as it quickly spreads from person to person. It’s especially common in crowded settings, which is why we hear about it on cruise ships so much. 

When you have norovirus, your stomach or intestines get upset, in a super yucky way. And it can last for days. Common symptoms include nausea, throwing up, stomach pain and diarrhea. But you can also have fevers, headaches and body aches.

By BrianAJackson courtesy iStockphoto

To avoid norovirus infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to: 

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands a lot and wash them well. Remember, it doesn’t take a lot for this virus to spread. Our Get Ready hand-washing pages have great tips you can share. 
• Wash your fruits and veggies. Norovirus is most commonly transmitted through food, so it’s important to be careful.
• If you’re sick, keep your distance. Don’t prepare food for others or care for people around you if you have norovirus or its symptoms.
• Clean and disinfect everything. Norovirus can survive outside the body for several days. If your hand touches your counter, door handle, remote or anything else, it makes it easy for people around you to catch it. Wash your soiled clothing, towels and other linens right away.

Unfortunately, if you do come down with norovirus, there is no specific medication to treat it. CDC says to rest and drink lots and lots of water. If you get really dehydrated, call your doctor, as you may need to receive IV fluids at a hospital.

But what about the Olympic Games? Two Swiss skiers have contracted the highly contagious virus but the International Olympic Committee reports that there is hope for them to get better in time to compete. As for now, the athletes have been working hard to show off their strength and skill. So let the games continue!