Norovirus Outbreak Forces Postponement of Olympic Hockey Match

Olympic officials made a decisive move on February 6, 2026, by postponing the women’s hockey match between Canada and Finland due to a norovirus outbreak affecting several players on the Finnish team. Medical experts praised this decision, noting that it likely prevented further spread of the virus to the Canadian team.

“This virus is known for its rapid transmission,” stated Dr. Nitin Mohan, a physician and epidemiologist at Western University in London, Ontario. He emphasized that officials acted appropriately to mitigate the situation. On the same day, the Switzerland women’s hockey team began isolating in Milan after one of its players tested positive for norovirus, raising concerns ahead of their scheduled match against Canada.

Understanding Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is a leading cause of gastrointestinal illness, often referred to as “stomach flu,” although it is not related to influenza. The symptoms typically include sudden vomiting and diarrhea, which can be debilitating. According to Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, the virus is sometimes dubbed “winter vomiting disease” because of its prevalence during colder months.

Most infected individuals experience symptoms for 24 to 36 hours, though some may be affected for up to 48 hours. “You may find yourself unable to leave the bathroom for hours, but typically, recovery begins the next day,” Dr. McGeer explained. Despite the intense discomfort, most people return to normal health quickly, although lingering fatigue can occur.

Transmission and Prevention

Norovirus spreads easily, primarily through contact with an infected person, contaminated food, or surfaces. It can also be transmitted through aerosolized particles released when an infected individual vomits. This makes environments like the Olympics, where athletes are in close quarters and share communal spaces, particularly susceptible to outbreaks.

“The Olympic setting is almost ideal for the virus to spread,” Dr. Mohan noted. “There is close contact, communal meals, and the stress of competition can weaken immune defenses.” He expressed surprise that such outbreaks do not occur more frequently in similar settings.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for norovirus. Hydration is crucial, as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. For most people, the illness is unpleasant but self-limiting. However, Dr. McGeer cautioned that severe dehydration is a serious risk for vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

In terms of prevention, both doctors emphasized the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus. Cleaning surfaces with bleach is also critical to reduce the risk of transmission. Swift isolation of infected individuals, as demonstrated by the Finnish women’s hockey team, is vital in controlling outbreaks.

“This situation serves as an important reminder of how quickly norovirus can spread,” Dr. Mohan concluded. The health and safety of athletes are paramount, and these measures are essential in maintaining that standard during the Olympics.

This report is based on information from The Canadian Press, which provides health coverage supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association.