Non-Subscriber Extract
British MoD confirms Norwalk Virus as source of Afghan outbreak
- Article Tools
| 20 May 2002 |
By Andy Oppenheimer
The mysterious illness recently contracted by around 40 British soldiers serving in Afghanistan was confirmed by UK MoD sources on 18 May as Norwalk virus.
Norwalk has been confirmed in two cases, although tests are not complete on all those affected. The symptoms exhibited by those afflicted – high fever, profuse vomiting and diarrhea – prompted some early suspicion of a biological warfare (BW) attack given that al-Qaeda has been experimenting with BW. The MoD, however, consistently denied any such suspicions.
Commentators have cited poor public health conditions and possible access to local food as likely causes of the illness.
98 of 533 words