According to reports, more than 40 athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics have tested positive for COVID-19, with a concerning rise in global case numbers, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday.
The WHO has urged countries to bolster their response systems as the virus behind the pandemic continues to circulate.
Among the affected athletes are several high-profile competitors, including British swimmer Adam Peaty, who tested joyously a day after securing a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke. Peaty had reportedly not felt well, according to his team.
Australian swimmer Lani Pallister, a medal hopeful, also had to withdraw from the women’s 1500m freestyle event after contracting the virus.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, highlighted that data from 84 countries indicates a rising percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
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She noted that wastewater surveillance—which provides an advance indication of case numbers—suggests that virus circulation is “two to 20 times higher than what is currently being reported.”
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases is atypical for respiratory viruses, which usually see increased transmission in colder months. Despite the season, many countries have experienced surges, including during the Olympics. “It’s not surprising to see athletes being infected because the virus is circulating quite rampantly in other countries,” Van Kerkhove added.
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