Commonwealth Games: Glasgow athletes’ village hit by outbreak of highly contagious stomach bug

An outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting has hit the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village in Glasgow a week before action is set to get underway.

Twelve workers with symptoms have been sent home and told to remain there until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

The virus is thought to be the highly contagious norovirus, and organisers at Glasgow 2014 have stated they are aware of a “small number” of cases at the site in Dalmarnock.

“Any village resident with any signs or symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting should stay in their rooms and contact the polyclinic for assistance by telephone or through their team management,” said an advisory message sent to all occupants at the village.

“Workforce should notify their manager and avoid coming into work. If symptoms appear while on shift, workforce should contact their supervisor.”

A National Health Service consultant, Dr Gillian Penrice, told London newspaper The Telegraph norovirus was the most common virus in the UK and generally lasted for 24 hours.

“The symptoms being experienced by these individuals are mild and none of the 12 is giving any cause for concern as a result of the virus,” she told The Telegraph.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.”

A stomach bug infiltrated the Australian camp during the 201 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, suspected to have been caused by contaminated water in the swimming pools.

The Glasgow Games will be held from July 23 to the August 3.