Namwon City Sees Rise in Norovirus Infections...Public Urged to Maintain Personal Hygiene

Handwashing, Thorough Cooking, and Safe Food Preparation

The Namwon City Public Health Center in North Jeolla Province has urged residents to strictly adhere to personal hygiene guidelines as norovirus infections, which are prevalent during the winter, are on the rise.

According to the health center on December 9, sample surveillance data on acute gastroenteritis from 210 hospitals nationwide, operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, show that the number of norovirus infection cases has been increasing recently. In particular, the number of cases in the fifth week of November this year rose by 58.8% compared to the same period last year, and infants and young children aged 0 to 6 accounted for 29.9% of all patients.

Winter Norovirus Infection Prevention Guidelines Poster. Provided by Namwon City

In Korea, norovirus infections mainly occur from winter to early spring (November to March), and are especially prevalent among infants and young children (aged 0 to 6) who often live in group settings. Because immunity to norovirus is short-lived, individuals can be reinfected even if they have had norovirus infection in the past, so extra caution is needed.

The main routes of infection include consuming water (such as groundwater) or food (such as shellfish) contaminated with norovirus. However, person-to-person transmission through contact with infected individuals or infection via droplets from patient secretions is also possible.

Symptoms of norovirus infection typically appear within 12 to 48 hours and include vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the individual, abdominal pain, chills, and fever may also occur.

To prevent norovirus infection, it is important to wash hands with soap for at least 30 seconds, thoroughly wash food ingredients under running water, and ensure food is cooked hygienically and safely, such as by heating it to at least 85°C for more than one minute.

Patients with norovirus infection should refrain from attending daycare, school, or work for up to 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared, and should separate their living spaces, including bathrooms, from other family members. In addition, after using the toilet, it is important to close the lid before flushing to prevent the spread of norovirus through droplets.

Han Yongjae, Director of the Namwon City Public Health Center, stated, "To prevent norovirus infection, please follow proper handwashing and other preventive measures, consume only safely prepared food, and in particular, refrain from sending symptomatic children to daycare facilities and disinfect spaces used by patients. If group infections occur, please report them to the public health center."