Norovirus Outbreak at a sporting event in Portugal

Caldas da Rainha, Leiria District, Portugal

A norovirus outbreak linked to a sporting event in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, has sickened 122 people, according to local authorities. The outbreak, identified by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, is associated with an international youth football tournament organized by Footmania. The event took place in Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos between June 24 and July 8.

The outbreak was first detected when over 60 individuals sought treatment at the Caldas da Rainha hospital's emergency department, presenting symptoms consistent with norovirus infection. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Genogroup II norovirus in stool samples. The municipal council has since verified the total number of cases.

Public health authorities, alongside the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE), conducted tests on the catering services provided at the event, collecting food and surface samples. However, no definitive source of the outbreak has been identified, and investigations are ongoing to determine its origin.

Source: www.euronews.com/health/2026/07/13/norovirus-outbreak-affects-over-100-people-in-portugal