Rotavirus and Norovirus Surge in Winter
Wash Hands for at Least 30 Seconds and Thoroughly Cook Food
The number of patients with rotavirus and norovirus, both types of gastrointestinal infections that cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting due to the ingestion of water and food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, has increased. These two viruses mainly spread during the winter, as they can survive at low temperatures and are highly infectious.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on November 18, there were a total of 54 cases of group A rotavirus reported during the 45th week of this year (November 2-8). This figure is nearly double the number recorded in the 43rd week (24 cases). Compared to the same period last year (34 cases), the number of patients in the 45th week increased by 58.8%.
There are group A, B, and C types of rotavirus that infect humans, but only group A is designated as a notifiable infectious disease.
Rotavirus infection is an acute gastroenteritis caused by a viral infection. It most commonly occurs in children between 6 months and 2 years of age, but people of all ages can be infected. The virus is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route, with most cases involving direct person-to-person transmission. Indirect transmission can also occur by touching toilets, door handles, or other objects contaminated with the feces of an infected person, or through contaminated food or respiratory droplets.
This virus is highly resilient at low temperatures, which increases the risk of transmission in winter. In addition, infection can occur with as few as 100 viral particles, making outbreaks more likely in group settings such as daycare centers, hospitals, and postpartum care centers.
After infection, there is an incubation period of 24 to 72 hours, followed by symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, and severe diarrhea for 4 to 6 days. Most patients recover, but in rare cases, severe dehydration can lead to death.
Another viral gastrointestinal infection, norovirus, has also seen continued cases recently. During the 45th week, there were 69 cases of norovirus, which is a decrease from the previous week (77 cases), but 53.3% higher than the same period last year (45 cases).
Norovirus can also survive at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, making winter transmission particularly active. If infected with this virus, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, and fever typically appear within 12 to 48 hours. Most people recover without lasting effects, but those with weakened immune systems may experience prolonged symptoms or complications.
To prevent infection from these viruses, personal hygiene is crucial. Hands should be washed with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds, food should be thoroughly cooked before consumption, and spaces and items used by patients must be properly disinfected.
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