Wimbledon staffers spark flu scare

29 Jun 2009, 11:02 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A number of Wimbledon staff suffering flu-like symptoms have been asked to stay away from the tennis tournament.

A number of Wimbledon staff suffering flu-like symptoms have been asked to stay away from the tennis tournament.

All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chief executive Ian Ritchie said there was no added risk to players, spectators or other staff.

"A small number of our Championships' personnel have reported a flu-like illness and consequently been asked to stay at home," Ritchie said in a statement released at the tournament on Monday.

"Having consulted closely with the Health Protection Agency, we have been reassured that since the incidence is entirely in line with the wider London community, there is no particular extra risk to all those connected with the event, be they players, media, staff or spectators, and we are able to continue with The Championships as normal."

The warning came amid the global swine flu outbreak, which by the end of last week had infected nearly 60,000 people in 113 countries and killed 263 people since late March.

A second Briton died after contracting swine flu on Saturday.

The 73-year-old man died in hospital in Paisley, central Scotland, and had serious underlying health problems.

The AELTC said anyone suffering from a fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughs, aches and pains or a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius should not come to Wimbledon until they had recovered or consulted a doctor.

Anyone feeling the symptoms while at the tournament was advised to contact St John Ambulance officers.

Those attending the event were also advised to follow basic hygiene principles such as covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues carefully and washing hands well and often.

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