COMMUNICATIONS

Badminton Tournament Illness Has Characteristics Of Norovirus

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says the illness that has affected more than 80 people at a badminton tournament in Christchurch “has all the characteristics” of norovirus.

Dr Alistair Humphrey says laboratory results are expected to confirm later this week that the illness that has affected people attending the June Bevan Badminton Trophy tournament is norovirus. The illness is highly contagious and can cause stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea.

It is likely the disease was spread from one person to another at the opening ceremony. “Nobody who did not attend the opening ceremony has become ill,” Dr Humphrey says.

Dr Humphrey says he and tournament officials decided to suspend play today for 24 hours to allow affected players to recover and to break the chain of infection, as the illness’ incubation period is about 24 hours. Play will resume on Thursday and Friday this week.

He says teams have been advised to encourage sick people to stay away from others until their symptoms have stopped. People have also been advised to wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with a sick person or contaminated items, such as clothing, bedding or towels.

Dr Humphrey says it appears the illness has been confined to people at the tournament, including players, their families and officials.

ENDS