Winter Food Poisoning Caused by 'Norovirus'... "Should Be Eaten Cooked Whenever Possible"

Norovirus

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] The number of patients infected with the 'Norovirus,' which causes food poisoning, has recently been on the rise. Although food poisoning is commonly known to occur in summer, Norovirus survives well even in cold weather.

According to infectious disease statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 26th, the number of Norovirus patients reached a total of 67 in the 47th week (from November 20 to the present). The number of Norovirus patients showed a continuous increase after hitting a low of 12 in the 39th week (September 30 to October 2), the early fall, and peaked in the 47th week.

Statistics show that Norovirus infections are concentrated from November to March of the following year. Unlike other food poisoning viruses, Norovirus can survive at minus 20℃ and can endure heating at 60℃ for 30 minutes. Contaminated food with Norovirus does not have a significantly different smell or taste.

After infection with Norovirus, symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea occur following an incubation period of 1 to 2 days. Symptoms last for 2 to 3 days before rapid recovery, and death is rare. However, severe dehydration can be dangerous for infants and young children.

Norovirus infection mainly occurs through contaminated groundwater, vegetables, fruits, and shellfish. The preventive measure is to cook shellfish such as clams and oysters rather than eating them raw. Groundwater should also be boiled before drinking. Norovirus is inactivated by heating at about 80℃ for 5 minutes or about 100℃ for 1 minute.

On the 25th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted a campaign to raise awareness of food poisoning prevention caused by Norovirus. Oh Yu-kyung, head of the Ministry, said, "If Norovirus infection is suspected due to vomiting or diarrhea, please visit a medical institution immediately for treatment and be careful to prevent the virus from spreading to others through direct or indirect contact."