Rise in Food Poisoning Cases in Gwangju... "Caution Advised During Lunar New Year Holiday"

Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment Reports Surge in Norovirus Detection Rate
Urges Public to Follow Prevention Guidelines Such as Washing and Cooking Food Thoroughly

Gwangju Health and Environment Research Institute urged compliance with personal hygiene rules to prevent norovirus food poisoning. The photo shows researchers at the Health Institute examining collected pathogens. Photo by Gwangju Health and Environment Research Institute

The Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment urged the public to pay special attention to personal hygiene and food safety management on the 26th, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, to prevent norovirus food poisoning.

According to the Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment, monitoring of causative pathogens in acute diarrhea patients at 10 local medical institutions showed that the detection rate of norovirus has surged since December last year and continues to rise. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It can survive at low temperatures, making it a leading cause of food poisoning during the winter season.

Food poisoning caused by norovirus is more likely to occur when consuming contaminated water (such as groundwater) or food (such as seafood). To prevent food poisoning, food should be thoroughly cooked at 85 degrees Celsius or higher for at least one minute, and vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly under running water before consumption.

Norovirus is particularly infectious, so contact with infected patients or droplet infection through patient secretions can also cause transmission. Immunity to norovirus is short-lived, so even those who have been infected in the past can be reinfected, making strict personal hygiene especially important.

Jung Hyuncheol, Director of the Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment, said, "During the Lunar New Year holiday, when family gatherings are common, please eat food that is prepared safely and hygienically and strictly follow personal hygiene guidelines to prevent norovirus infection. We will maintain an emergency quarantine system during the holiday to ensure everyone can have a safe and healthy break."