WYD08 - Death and pestilence and the 4 horsemen

More than 100 WYD pilgrims hit by flu


More than 100 Catholic pilgrims in Sydney to celebrate World Youth Day (WYD) have been struck down with the flu, or gastro.

NSW Health issued an update on the sicknesses which have spread among the international pilgrims, many of whom are living in spartan conditions in school halls and similar sites across the city's suburbs.

On the latest count, 87 pilgrims have or are recovering from the flu while at least 23 have a case of stomach churning gastroenteritis.

"At Our Lady of Good Counsel School, in Forestville, five pilgrims have been diagnosed with influenza," NSW Health acting deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty said.

"Public health officers have also been called to Thomas Moore School in Campbelltown, where 19 pilgrims have been found to have influenza."

In Gladesville's Our Lady of the Peace school, another seven pilgrims have the flu.

Dr McAnulty said another 47 pilgrims had been "isolated with flu-like symptoms" at Castle Hill's Oakhill College.

Another nine pilgrims staying at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, also have the flu.

The gastro outbreak occurred at St Therese's Primary School, Denistone, where the number of students affected has hit 23.

There are more than 125,000 international pilgrims in Sydney for the six-day WYD event, which included a public tour by Pope Benedict XVI on the harbour and through the city's streets.

OMG, I almost posted near-enough Clive's response about an hour ago. 

Cause for celebration or concern?

I think I'm uncapable of Cliving the search terms.  Rare talent that.