A norovirus outbreak linked to an international youth football tournament has infected at least 122 people in central Portugal, prompting health authorities to investigate the source of the illness as hospitals treated dozens of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
The outbreak was identified after the emergency department at Caldas da Rainha Hospital treated more than 60 people last week suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and headaches. The cluster of cases led health officials to conduct laboratory testing to determine the cause of the illness.
According to local authorities, stool samples sent to the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge confirmed the presence of Genogroup II norovirus in all tested cases.
“The stool cultures sent to the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge all came back positive for Genogroup II norovirus, thus identifying the likely agent responsible for the outbreak,” the Caldas da Rainha Municipal Council said in a statement after receiving the laboratory results.
Officials said most of the confirmed infections, around 80 cases, have been linked to an international youth football tournament organized by Footmania. The competition took place across the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos between June 24 and July 8 and attracted participants from several countries.
Health authorities have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak but are examining whether the sporting event played a central role in the spread of the virus. Norovirus is highly contagious and commonly spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces or close contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms usually include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever and headaches, with most people recovering within a few days. The virus can spread quickly in crowded settings where large groups gather, making sporting events, schools and holiday camps particularly vulnerable.
The outbreak comes during the busy summer season, when Portuguese health authorities have warned that warmer weather and increased social activities can create favourable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases.
Earlier this summer, officials advised the public that outdoor gatherings, holidays, beaches, parties and family events increase the risk of viral transmission because of closer contact between people and greater movement across regions.
The latest incident follows another notable norovirus outbreak reported in May aboard the cruise ship Ambition, which was carrying more than 1,700 passengers and crew. That outbreak forced those on board to remain confined while the vessel was docked in Bordeaux as health officials worked to contain the spread of the virus.
Authorities in Portugal continue to monitor the situation in Caldas da Rainha and surrounding areas while encouraging anyone experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical advice and follow hygiene measures to reduce further transmission.
