Three athletes are being treated for influenza at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games athletes village on the eve of the opening ceremony, but team New Zealand remain confident in hygiene procedures.
The Medical Command Centre (MCC) received confirmation of the three cases of influenza within the village and preventative medication has been given out to those in close contact with them, said GOLDOC in a statement yesterday.
The patients have been requested to remain in 48 hour isolation until they no longer have symptoms and are being managed in conjunction with the Gold Coast Public Health Unit.
It was revealed today the three people affected are athletes from the same country and sport.
But CEO of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, Mark Peters declined to reveal what country was affected.
He did however praise the country’s Commonwealth Games Federation for acting swiftly and sending the athletes to the onsite medical centre where they were put into isolation immediately.
One of the affected athletes is expected to be released from isolation tomorrow.
Mr Peters expects more athletes to get sick throughout the duration of the games, but ensures they will be properly looked after.
New Zealander’s in the athletes village are not at risk of the outbreak, New Zealand Olympic Committee spokesperson Ashley Abbott told 1 NEWS.
But the NZOC take hygiene and health risks seriously in the village and has practices in place to prevent the spread of illness.
Each sport is briefed on arrival to village accommodation, which was disinfected with anti-bacterial spray in the lead up to the games.
Despite these practices it is still expected some may succumb to illness during the games, but they will work to support recovery.
The remainder of the team are now in isolation as more tests are carried out.
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