[Health Tip] Why Does Norovirus Occur More in Cold Weather... How to Prevent It?

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] The number of patients infected with the 'Norovirus,' which causes food poisoning, has recently increased rapidly. While food poisoning is commonly thought to occur during the hot summer months, Norovirus can survive well even in cold weather. Since the number of patients is increasing mainly among infants and young children, it is important for parents to urge their children to follow hygiene rules to avoid exposure to Norovirus.

Norovirus infections occur intensively from November, when cold weather continues, through February of the following year, and patients are also reported until April. Norovirus infection mainly occurs through contaminated groundwater, vegetables or fruits, shellfish, and other sources. Unlike other food poisoning viruses, Norovirus can survive at minus 20℃ and can also survive heating at 60℃ for 30 minutes. Food contaminated with Norovirus does not have a significantly different smell or taste. Infection can also occur through contact with environments contaminated by the feces or vomit of Norovirus patients, and through droplet transmission.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of Norovirus infection patients from November 11 to 17 was 156, more than double the 70 patients reported about a month earlier (October 13 to 19). Patients aged 0 to 6 years accounted for the largest portion with 87 cases (55.8%), followed by patients aged 7 to 18 years with 30 cases (19.2%).

After an incubation period of 1 to 2 days following Norovirus infection, symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea occur. These symptoms usually continue for 2 to 3 days and then rapidly improve. Death is rare, but severe dehydration can be dangerous for infants and young children, so caution is necessary.

Prevention involves cooking seafood such as clams and oysters rather than eating them raw. Groundwater should also be boiled before drinking. Norovirus is inactivated by heating at 80℃ for about 5 minutes or at 100℃ for about 1 minute. Additionally, frequent handwashing with soap is important.

Norovirus patients should close the toilet lid when flushing after defecation to prevent droplet spread. If a patient occurs in childcare facilities or schools, attendance or work should be avoided for at least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared. It is also advisable to maintain separate living spaces from the patient at home.

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