Infection experts on Olympic alert
As millions of people prepare to descend on the UK capital, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has implemented measures to ensure that potential diseases are spotted and addressed as quickly as possible.
Although the HPA expects a “slight” increased risk of illnesses such as stomach bugs and chest infections during the Games, it does not anticipate any serious infectious outbreaks.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe HPA plans to introduce quicker laboratory testing, meaning infections such as salmonella will be diagnosed within a day.
It will also monitor calls to NHS Direct and out-of-hours GPs and data from A&E departments. Experts will study symptom patterns to spot any infection outbreaks.