Damyang-gun "Beware of Norovirus Food Poisoning"

Request for Personal Hygiene Management in Daily Life

'Norovirus Infection Prevention Guidelines' poster. Provided by Damyang-gun

Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Byeong-no) has urged the public to maintain hygiene in daily life to prevent norovirus food poisoning, which frequently occurs during the winter season.

Unlike common bacteria, norovirus becomes more active at low temperatures, causing infections to surge in winter when personal hygiene practices such as handwashing tend to be neglected due to the cold weather.

The main infection routes are consuming contaminated food or seafood, but it can also spread easily through contact with infected individuals' (feces or vomit). The incubation period averages 12 to 48 hours, with major symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea; some people may also experience chills and fever.

To prevent infection, follow these guidelines: ▲ Wash hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds ▲ Cook food thoroughly before eating (especially oysters, fish, shellfish, and other seafood) ▲ Use personal utensils, wash ingredients properly, and drink boiled water ▲ Disinfect areas contacted by infected patients such as vomit, doorknobs, and bathrooms.

A county official requested, “Since winter is a season when food poisoning caused by norovirus increases, please pay special attention to personal hygiene management.”