Half Dozen Players Catch Stomach Virus

A nasty virus with symptoms of nausea and vomiting spread quickly through the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament this weekend, sickening at least six players and many fans.

The virus -- which has been reported outside the tournament gates throughout the Coachella Valley -- results in symptoms of nausea and vomiting, fever, and subsequent diarrhea, according to a statement released by Eisenhower Medical Center.

"It is transmitted by air and direct contact and not passed via food," the statement from the hospital's public relations department said.

Matt Van Tuinen, a BNP Paribas Open spokesman, told Patch that six players have withdrawn from the tournament because of the virus as of Sunday.

However, Vera Zvonareva withdrew late Sunday from the tournament with regrets.

"I'm really sorry to withdraw from the tournament but unfortunately I'm not feeling well enough to compete today. Hopefully I can recover from the illness and play in the next event [Miami] but today I just don't feel that I can go out there and perform well enough," Zvonareva said.

"Indian Wells is one the best tournaments on the WTA, I have great memories here and have won here in the past, so it's a special place for me and I'm sorry I cannot play," she said. "I hope to come back here healthy next year."

Jürgen Melzer also withdrew from a match with doubles partner Marcos Baghdatis

Read more about the virus and precautions fans should take here.