9 Feb 2018

Olympic norovirus cases reach 128

7:06 am on 9 February 2018

The number of people infected with the norovirus near Winter Olympics venues has risen to 128 just hours before tonight's opening ceremony.

An aerial view of Gangneung Oval of Gangneung Coastal Cluster for Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

An aerial view of Gangneung Oval of Gangneung Coastal Cluster for Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Photo: Photosport

Organising committee POCOG said 42 new cases were recorded, with 34 of them from Olympic security staff staying at a youth centre which has now seen 97 of the 128 cases overall.

The other eight new cases are from the Olympic venue areas of Pyeongchang and Gangneung.

Organisers say no athletes have been ill.

On Wednesday about 900 soldiers were brought in to replace guards from a private security firm after the first of the firm's personnel suffered from the illness which leads to vomiting and diarrhoea.

The ill guards were diagnosed with the highly contagious norovirus infection, which can be spread through food or water contamination.

The government has strengthened hygiene inspections on restaurants and all food and beverage facilities related to the Olympics.

-AAP