Lawyers Of Victims Of Illness Outbreaks Reveal Concerns

Specialist legal experts representing thousands of victims who have been affected by illness problems in the UK and abroad, have called on authorities to work quickly to prevent the further spread of an outbreak at the Commonwealth Games Village in Glasgow.

The 700-house Dalmarnock facility was officially opened last Sunday and will host 4,500 competitors and another 2,300 support staff during the Games. 
 
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has confirmed that 53 cases of illness have been linked to the site in recent days, with all of the victims suffering gastrointestinal symptoms believed to have been caused by norovirus.
 
Speaking after the latest meeting of the Glasgow 2014 strategic group today, First Minister Alex Salmond said that they are confident the probable source of the outbreak has been identified and that they are “getting to grips with the cause.”

The Athletes' Village is said to be "operating as normal" but infection control measures have been put in place and Health Protection Scotland is working with the health board and Games organisers to minimise risk.
 
The Public Health Protection Unit of NHSGCC is now working with Games organisers and Health Protection Scotland in an effort to minimise the risk of further problems and implement control measures.
 
National law firm Irwin Mitchell has vast experience in helping thousands of people seek justice and answers in relation to illness outbreaks in the UK, on cruise ships and at holiday resorts across the world.

Expert Opinion

It is extremely worrying to see the number of victims affected by the outbreak linked to the Commonwealth Games Village increase and it is vital that authorities continue to actively work to ensure that any further spread is prevented.

"The Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow is a landmark moment for the city and there will undoubtedly be significant concerns among the athlete community staying at the site in the coming weeks following these reports. Everything possible needs to be done to provide reassurances that the outbreak is under control.

"The impact of norovirus and related illness problems should never be underestimated, as our considerable experience in this area means we have seen numerous cases when victims have developed long-term health problems after being affected by outbreaks.

"A key part of providing reassurances on this issue is to continue to keep the public updated and also ensure that answers can be provided quickly as to how these issues emerged, as well as what can be learned to try to ensure that they will not be repeated in the future." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner