Changwon Masan Health Center Urges Caution Against 'Norovirus Food Poisoning'

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] Masan Health Center in Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, urged adherence to personal hygiene rules to prevent food poisoning as food poisoning caused by norovirus frequently occurs in winter.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis and mainly occurs from winter to early spring (November to April of the following year). It spreads through various routes such as contaminated food and drinking water, and objects contacted by infected persons.

After infection with norovirus, symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea appear following an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours on average. Children, the elderly, and other immunocompromised groups may experience severe or prolonged symptoms, so prevention is necessary.

To prevent infection, hygiene rules such as washing hands for more than 30 seconds, drinking boiled water, eating cooked food, and washing fruits and vegetables under running water must be followed.

Also, people suspected of having norovirus symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea should immediately stop participating in food preparation, visit medical institutions for treatment, refrain from attending group living facilities (schools, academies, etc.) after symptoms recover, and be excluded from cooking for at least two days.

Cho Hyun-guk, director of Masan Health Center, said, “Norovirus remains active even at minus 20℃ and, unlike bacteria, its survival period actually lengthens as temperatures drop in winter, so vigilance is necessary,” adding, “In places where people gather densely such as daycare centers, schools, military units, and nursing facilities, personal hygiene must be strictly maintained.”

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