*Dirty Water* Commonwealth Games: Delhi pool linked to Gastro outbreak

A large 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. Australian swimmers Andrew Lauterstein and Hayden Stoeckel pulled out of their respective heats this morning because of stomach problems. Stoeckel was forced out of the 100 metres backstroke, an event in which he was considered a gold medal contender, after winning silver in the 50m but missing the final in the 200m a day later. Lauterstein could not get up for last night's 50m butterfly final and did not race in his 100m heat this morning. Distance swimmer Robert Hurley has also returned home. 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.

[@Norwoodfish]

Dirty place