Health District Posts Interim Report on Marathon Gastrointestinal Illnesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2011

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District today posted its interim report on its website regarding the gastrointestinal illness outbreak following the Sunday, Dec. 4 Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas Marathon. Based on initial test results, the pathogen that caused the outbreak is still undetermined. Additional tests will be conducted and a final report will be posted. The report is available at http://southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/download/epi/2011-LV-Marathon-Outbreak-Interim-Report.pdf.

The health district began to receive reports of illness on Thursday, Dec. 8 and developed a survey for race participants to complete. To date, more than 1,000 surveys have been submitted to the office of epidemiology with approximately half of them completed by people who became ill and half who did not become ill.

“While our initial testing has been unable to identify the pathogen, our initial analysis of the survey data indicates that the outbreak is most likely infectious in nature,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer. “We are continuing to test the samples we’ve received from runners to identify the cause. At this time, our investigation does not point to water given to runners as the likely source of the infection. Although we might be able to identify the pathogen, we might not be able to identify the source of the infection.”

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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.