CWG pool water quality blamed for swimmers' stomach problems

CWG pool water quality blamed for swimmers' stomach problems

2010-10-07 14:09:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- A number of swimmers have become ill at the Commonwealth Games in India, media reports said on Thursday, leading to the urgent testing of water in the swimming pools.

"We must find this out immediately. If there is something unsafe you can't swim in that water so it's a matter we'll have to deal with with the greatest of urgency," said Commonwealth Games chief Mike Fennell.

According to Australian media, more than 20 swimmers from Australia and England are suffering with a stomach virus, forcing some to withdraw from the games.

"I don't want to jump to conclusions because we have no medical evidence as to why this is happening," the Australian chef de mission Steve Mongeghetti said, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

The Australian team doctor, according to the APP, did not believe the virus was caused by food because the swimmers were suffering most.

The virus, that lasts for a short period, has also affected 20 percent of the British team. "Some who may have been affected earlier in the week are now back in the water and swimming well," John Atkinson, the England team leader said.

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