Valley stomach virus takes toll on BNP Paribas Open

An airborne stomach virus spread around the Coachella Valley and into the gates of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Tournament organizers said the virus changed the game of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament. At least seven players came down with the virus and unfortunately had to withdraw — their fate determined by the illness rather than on the court.

“Ball kids, officials, players, everyone’s been affected by the bug in some way,” said Steve Simon, the tournament director.

Eisenhower Medical Center, which provides medical support for the BNP Paribas Open, said visits to its emergency room have gone up by about 15 percent in the past week — that’s about 30 people a day with flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms of the valley wide virus are nausea and vomiting, fever, and subsequent diarrhea. Doctors say it is self-limited and lasts between 24 and 48 hours.

“This one’s a little more widespread than we normally see but we’ll see outbreaks like this in children and adults, and it usually passes in a week or so,” said Euthym Kontaxis, the medical director for Eisenhower.

It is transmitted by air and direct contact, and not passed via food.

The virus can be self-treated so if you should experience any of the following symptoms you should attempt to drink as much fluid as possible including water and electrolyte sport drinks. Also, avoid the sun, rest and wait until the symptoms pass before coming in contact with others to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Some tennis lovers we talked to said the game is worth the risk.

“All of the good tennis going on this week, we’re jazzed!” said Carrie Zarraonandia, from the San Francisco bay area.

However, just like the players many are taking precautions.

“Definitely washing my hands … soon I’ll have sanitizer in my racquet bag,” said Nadia Petrova, a tennis player.