Norovirus Infection Spread in Gwangju

Detection Rate in the 5th Week of May Increased Sixfold Compared to the Second Week

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Norovirus infections have recently surged rapidly in Gwangju, raising the need for caution.

According to the Gwangju Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute on the 31st, the norovirus detection rate in the 5th week of this month was 51.2%, more than six times higher compared to the second week.

The City Health and Environment Research Institute, together with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, analyzes causative pathogens through the 'Waterborne and Foodborne Infectious Disease Pathogen Surveillance Project' targeting patients visiting cooperating hospitals in the Gwangju area weekly with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting due to enteritis.

The norovirus detection rate was 34.1% (43 out of 126 cases) in January, 37.7% (46 out of 122 cases) in February, and 27.6% (24 out of 87 cases) in March, decreasing to 5.3% (1 out of 19 cases) by the last week of April. However, it has shown a sharp increase this month, with 46.1% (41 out of 89 cases) in the 4th week and 51.2% (44 out of 86 cases) in the 5th week.

Norovirus is generally known to occur frequently from November to April, but recently, as temperatures rose above 25 degrees Celsius, outbreaks have been reported even in late spring, showing a tendency to occur regardless of the season.

Norovirus can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, contact with patients, and droplet or contact infection via secretions (vomit, feces, etc.).

It is highly infectious, and secondary infections commonly occur. Clinical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and mild fever, with gastroenteritis symptoms lasting 24 to 72 hours.

To prevent infection, it is important to practice regular handwashing, consume safe food, prepare food safely, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, and manage laundry thoroughly.

Kim Tae-soon, head of the Waterborne Disease Division at the Health and Environment Research Institute, said, “Recently, multiple outbreaks have been reported in daycare centers in Gyeonggi Province, and there is concern about group patient outbreaks in the Gwangju area due to the increase in norovirus patients. Especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly over 65, children under 5, and immunocompromised individuals, serious complications such as dehydration may occur. Therefore, childcare facilities and schools are recommended to restrict group activities for 2 to 3 days after symptoms disappear to block further transmission.”

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