By Nick Butler at the Main Press Centre in Glasgow

More than 50 people have now been affected by norovirus at Glasgow 2014 ©Glasgow 2014Numbers of workers affected by an outbreak of norovirus at the Glasgow 2014 Athlete's Village has passed 50 with four days until the Games get underway.


A toilet, used by the workforce, within the Village has been located as the probable source of the bug and been closed. 

Five new cases emerged today, it is understood, in addition to the 48 that had shown symptoms over previous days, although the number of new cases is thought to be gradually declining.

"It is contained to a very specific group of workforce and that has been isolated and over the past three days it has been monitoring and conducting our investigations with the public authorities," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"We've obviously taken even further measures to not only remain diligent but take some precautionary action as well.

"I can assure you it's not food preparation area, but obviously we're relying heavily on public authorities to support us and that is what they do, they're not only regulatory but the assessment of investigations and support us at this time.

"We've continued to also monitor with each of the teams and athletes in particular and team officials to ensure they're progressing."

Grevemberg added that, as of yet, there is "no indication Village residents have been impacted at all". 

This has come following tha arrival of athletes into the Village over the last week ©TwitterThe virus has come following tha arrival of athletes into the Glasgow 2014 Village over the last week ahead of next week's Opening Ceremony ©Twitter
A more widespread eruption of the bug would be a major concern so soon before the start of the Games, although confidence appears high that it is already being brought under control.

Dr Gillian Penrice, a consultant in public health medicine for National Health Service Greater Glasgow Clyde, insisted that, "as we would expect, the number of new cases is continuing to decline".

She added: "Staff who have been symptom-free for 48 hours are starting to return to work and those who are still experiencing mild symptoms are not giving any cause for concern as a result of the virus.

"Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK and is usually mild and generally lasts for 24 hours.

"Village residents and workforce have been informed and issued with health information and we continue to monitor the situation closely."

Representatives from 71 nations and territories are staying at the Athletes' Village during the Games, and nearly all have now arrived ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday (July 23).

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