LONDON (AP) — U.K. health officials are increasing their
surveillance for any potential disease outbreaks that could
disrupt the London Olympics this summer. An estimated 3 million
visitors are expected to descend on the city during July and
August, bringing with them viruses and bacteria from around the
world. At a meeting Tuesday of international disease experts,
some said even though an outbreak was unlikely, officials
couldn't take the risk of not being prepared for the Olympics,
which are taking place from July 27 to Aug. 12. "No news will be
good news," said John McConnell, editor of the Lancet Infectious
Diseases, which co-sponsored the meeting on health in mass
gatherings. He said large sports events like the Olympics
typically have not had major outbreaks in the past. But to get
ready, British health authorities are boosting checks for
infectious diseases and increasing labs' capacity to test
samples. During the games, officials will get daily health
reports on potential trouble spots and first-aid c