Ongoing investigation: 50 sick triathletes at WTCS Sunderland
The Sunderland WTCS has been marred by a worrying incident.
As reported The Guardian, at least 57 people fell ill with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting after competing in the open water swimming events at Roker Beach.
The situation has led to an iexhaustive investigation by the health authorities.
Nearly 2.000 people took part in the events this past weekend at Roker Beach, a Blue Flag beach in Sunderland.
The competition was part of the British leg of the World Triathlon Series and where it was the penultimate opportunity to score points for the 2023 ranking before the Pontevedra Grand Final.
Disease Investigation
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that tests are underway to establish the cause of the illness.
A sample taken three days before the event showed alarming levels of E. coli, a bacterial infection that can cause stomach pain and bloody diarrhea.
A sample taken three days prior to the event showed alarming levels of 3,900 E. coli colonies per 100 mL of water, more than 39 times the typical readings for the previous month.
E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals.
Although many strains of E. Coli are harmless and part of the healthy intestinal flora, some can cause serious illness.
Pathogenic strains of E. coli can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. E. coli infection can be contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water, or through contact with infected people or animals.
In some cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that affects the kidneys and requires immediate medical attention.
Jacob Birtwhistle, a 28-year-old Australian triathlete, expressed his upset on Instagram after the event, writing: “I've been feeling pretty sick since the race, but I guess that's what happens when you swim in shit. The swim test should have been canceled. "
One athlete responded: “At least I know what affected me and a group of other athletes who competed sick. "
Another added: “That explains why I spent Monday night with my head in the toilet after racing Sunday morning!"
Ailith Eve Harley-RobertsThe 51-year-old from Leeds, who did not get sick, commented on his fellow competitors: “I like to swim in the open air, but I have no confidence in the cleanliness of the seas, rivers, lakes, etc., due to the discharge of sewage."
eva perrin, from the Surfers Against Sewage campaign group, emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “The sample taken on July 26 showed unprecedented levels of E. coli, well above what is natural for this body of water or safe for human recreational use, and urgently needs to be investigated.. "
Reaction of the Organizers and Athletes
British Triathlon, the governing body for triathlons in Britain, claimed that the sample results were not published until after the events and that its own tests passed required standards.
The competition took place in a coastal area that has been the subject of a longstanding dispute between activists and the government over sewage discharges and regulatory failures.
Bob Latimer, a 79-year-old activist, has pursued legal action for several years against the government over wastewater discharges in the region.
The incident in Sunderland has shed light on the importance of water safety and quality in triathlon competitions. Ongoing research will provide more details about the cause and help prevent future problems in this beloved sport.
