Jeonnam Health and Environment Research Institute Strengthens Norovirus Food Poisoning Surveillance

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment recently reported an increase in patients suspected of having norovirus food poisoning, a major cause of food poisoning in winter, and is strengthening inspections.

According to the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment on the 8th, food poisoning caused by norovirus can occur throughout the year but is especially concentrated in the cold and dry winter season.

The main causes include consumption of contaminated water or insufficiently cooked food, and direct or indirect contact with infected patients. It is known to be highly contagious, capable of infection with as few as 10 viral particles.

Contagiousness is strongest during the symptomatic period and can persist for 3 days to as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Symptoms appear as acute gastroenteritis accompanied by vomiting, fever, and dehydration within 12 to 48 hours.

According to an investigation by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, there have been an average of 52 outbreaks and 1,115 infected persons annually over the past five years due to norovirus food poisoning. Notably, from November to March of the following year, there were 34 outbreaks and 623 infected persons, indicating a high proportion during the winter season.

Additionally, the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment conducted virus tests on 1,168 diarrhea patients last year in cooperation with city and county health centers and hospitals, confirming that 89% of patients positive for five types of intestinal viruses were infected with norovirus.

Shin Mi-young, head of the Microbiology Department, stated, “To prevent norovirus, thorough personal hygiene management such as hand washing and eating cooked food is essential,” and added, “For preventing group outbreaks, hygiene management and disinfection of supplies by food handlers, childcare and nursing facility workers, and medical personnel are also very important.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.