Festivals are the epitome of spring and summer. But illnesses in particular often spread rapidly at mass events.
Festivals carry the usual health risks associated with large crowds. Especially since festivals mainly take place in summer and outdoors, the probability of transmission is low. However, there are still a large number of pathogens to be prepared for.
The high number of faecal-oral transmissions and the lack of hygiene form the breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent infection, you should always use hand sanitiser following using festival toilets and before eating or drinking.
Diseases reported by music festivals include:
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Influenza (Flu)
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measles
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Mumps-Virus
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STDs
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Norovirus
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are common at festivals. Some events even offer VIP access for those undergoing an STI test upon arrival, like the Byron Bay Music Festival in New Zealand. People with sunstroke or dramatic sunburn are also not uncommon at festivals.
‘Sunburn is an obvious risk – always have a hat on hand, apply sunscreen regularly and don’t be tempted to go shirtless in the sun,’ said the patient information sheet for the England Festival in Glastonbury.