Norovirus likely behind sick kids at Voorburg playground
A norovirus outbreak has been confirmed among children who recently played at Opa’s Veldje, a public playground in Voorburg. At least 23 children have developed symptoms consistent with norovirus infection, and local health authorities are investigating whether the site was the source of the contamination, RTL reports.
The municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg announced that norovirus was found in stool samples from several sick children. The exact number of confirmed cases has not been disclosed. The affected children attend two different elementary schools in Voorburg. The municipal health service (GGD) has distributed questionnaires to both schools and the parents to trace the source and extent of the outbreak.
Norovirus is highly contagious and causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and headaches. According to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), it affects about half a million people annually in the Netherlands and spreads via contact with infected feces or vomit.
The outbreak was first noticed when multiple children began showing symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, shortly after visiting Opa’s Veldje during a warm period in early July. “It began with vomiting,” said a parent of a five-year-old and a three-year-old who both fell ill after playing at the site. Another parent, Dolf, who lives next to the playground, told RTL that “certainly more than 23 children” had gotten sick.
As a precaution, the municipality initially cordoned off a section of the playground. However, after more illnesses were reported, the entire area was closed and surrounded by tall fencing. “At first, it was only partially fenced off. Now the entire playground is sealed with meters-high barriers,” Dolf told RTL.
The GGD collected water samples from the playground’s drinking fountain and play areas on July 13. No contamination was found in the water samples or in other sections of the playground. Nevertheless, both the drinking fountain and the water play feature were shut down as a preventive measure due to concerns about possible E. coli contamination.
Infectious disease specialist Adam Anas of Erasmus MC explained that norovirus outbreaks at water play areas are not uncommon. “It is indeed strange that no adults became ill, because it’s a very contagious virus,” Anas told RTL. He noted that warm weather increases the risk of viral growth in water and mud, adding: “If just one child with a stomach virus or a dirty diaper plays in the water, that’s enough to infect others.”
Although outdoor water play areas are increasingly popular in summer, the RIVM says there are no official regulations governing water quality at such locations. “It’s fun and beneficial for child development, but there are also risks,” a spokesperson warned.
The municipality emphasized that so far, all reported cases among children have involved mild symptoms. The GGD is still analyzing data to determine whether the virus originated from the playground. A final decision on reopening Opa’s Veldje will be made after the full investigation is complete, expected later this week.
