How do infectious diseases affect high‐performance athletes? Norovirus during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims The incidence of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions is a concern for public health. In this study, we aim to report six cases of norovirus‐associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 Pan American Games, a multisport event held in Peru. Results During the Lima 2019 event, there were no reported outbreaks or cases of most frequent diseases, however, six cases (0.09%) of norovirus‐associated gastroenteritis were reported. The clinical stage of the cases was self‐limited to 2 days, and the main treatment was fluid replacement. Of the six affected athletes, five came from the United States and one from Chile. Only one karate athlete from the United States, could not continue with the competition due to the illness. Conclusions The incidence of norovirus‐associated gastroenteritis among athletes in Lima 2019 was low, and the clinical course of the illness was self‐limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of athletes who presented with gastroenteritis using the Panam Sport In previous sporting events, such as the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, Injury and Illness Surveillance System. These findings can inform the development of public health strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases among athletes during international competitions.

Keywords

• infectious diseases
• Pan American games
• Parapan American games
• Peru
• prevention
• travel health