Complaints of Diarrhea, Vomiting, Chills... 5 Hospitalized
Health Authorities Conducting Specimen Collection and Epidemiological Investigation
About 70 students at an elementary school in Gwangju showed symptoms of food poisoning, prompting health authorities to conduct an epidemiological investigation.
According to Seo-gu and health authorities on the 17th, 76 students at an elementary school located in Geumho-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, were confirmed to be receiving treatment after showing symptoms of food poisoning. The students complained of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and chills, and among them, five are currently hospitalized at nearby hospitals.
The suspected food poisoning symptoms reportedly began on the 12th. The school conducted its own investigation on the 15th and reported to health authorities that 35 first-grade students in the same class were showing collective symptoms of food poisoning.
After conducting additional investigations targeting all grades, health authorities detected norovirus in some students and determined that a total of 76 students exhibited similar symptoms, taking appropriate measures. Samples were collected from the students and about 30 food service workers, and meals, snacks, water, and cooking utensils were gathered and sent to the Gwangju Health and Environment Research Institute for epidemiological investigation. Additionally, preserved food and other environmental samples were collected, and disinfection and hygiene education are being carried out.
Seo-gu plans to decide on administrative measures for the school based on the test results.
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