Sumo: JSA take measures against new flu at summer basho

TOKYO, May 9 Kyodo -
The Japan Sumo Association said Saturday it will take measures to prevent the
spread of a new strain of influenza by spraying spectators' hands with
disinfectant when they enter Ryogoku Kokugikan for the Summer Grand Sumo
Tournament.
The JSA also had a plan to distribute face masks to all spectators at the
15-day tournament beginning on Sunday but JSA operations chief Isenoumi said,
''It's not at that stage yet so we want just to start things off basic.''
The JSA began Friday distributing face masks to stable masters and wrestlers at
each sumo stable.
Meanwhile, ticket sales for the summer basho have been unaffected by the new
strain of influenza A.
''We were a bit worried but sales have been going better than normal for the
summer basho,'' said the sumo elder in charge of the ticket office.
''Now it just depends on how much excitement the tournament can generate.''
Three Japanese males who arrived from the United States at Narita airport
Friday were confirmed to be infected with the new flu, marking the first
new-flu cases in Japan, health ministry officials said Saturday.
==Kyodo