Posted on 12/08/2008 2:21:20 PM PST by FreeManWhoCan
Mud contaminated with sheep faeces was the most likely cause of 161 competitors in a mountain biking event falling ill, a report has said. An investigation into the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea following the Mountain Bike Marathon, in Builth Wells, mid Wales, was carried out by the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS).
The 664 riders who took part in the event on Jul ADVERTISEMENT y 5 and 6 were invited by NPHS to complete an internet questionnaire after an initial report of eight people falling sick.
Of the 355 responses, 161 reported symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting following the event.
The responses were used to investigate the risks competitors were exposed to.
And the report concluded that the outbreak was probably caused by Campylobacter, spread to the cyclists by mud which was contaminated with sheep faeces.
It said the heavy overnight rain was likely to have contributed to the outbreak by increasing the amount of liquid mud on the course.
The report went on to recommend pre-packaged food being eaten out of the wrapper at future events, avoiding use of soiled drink and food containers, and washing hands when possible.
Dr Sian Griffiths, of the NPHS, said: "We have been delighted with the help we have received from the mountain bikers when investigating this outbreak of illness.
"We would also like to thank the race organisers for their co-operation and our colleagues in Environmental Health at Powys County Council.
"We hope that this report and the recommendations within it will help reduce the risk of something like this happening again."
It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.
I use a Camelbak when I ride, but no fenders.
The next web forum that asks for a user name, I'll use it.
If their “shepherd” keeps ticking them off with his Bush-like agenda, I think ~those~ sheep will soon become wolves.
[make popcorn]...:)
Why did I read that and think “Company Cafeteria”?
Nomination for best headline of the year.
The use of lax colons seems to have been the problem, here ...
Go to your room.
headline of the day!
It exceeds even "Mega Barf Alert". Maybe a Helen Thomas nude calendar expose could actually reach such a level.
The new barf alert? Code for a Maureen Dowd column?
Or a Helen Thomas picture thread. ie. "That thread started off well, but quickly degenerated into vomit carnage."
Title of the Week Award!
Yep. I think that would fit.
Tourist: But where did they get the idea?
Shepherd: From Harold. He's that most dangerous of creatures, a clever sheep. 'e's realized that a sheep's life consists of standin' around for a few months and then bein' eaten. And that's a depressing prospect for an ambitious sheep.
From inhilation? LOL...nah...they hadta ingest this stuff to get those symptoms~
Made me think of the BOC song, I’m On The Lamb,(but I ain’t no sheep).
Thank God; I have another reason to not ride that bike I got for my birthday!
I didn’t even get passed the title ping.
I there a “Poo Ping” list?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.