Suspected Food Poisoning Cases Surge 4.5 Times in Gyeonggi-do This Year Compared to Same Period Last Year

Food Poisoning Bacteria Inspection Scene

In Gyeonggi Province, suspected food poisoning reports in the first quarter (January to March) of this year increased more than 4.5 times compared to the same period last year.

According to Gyeonggi Province on the 24th, the number of patients reported with suspected food poisoning in the province from January to March this year was 355 (30 cases), a 4.5-fold increase compared to 79 patients in the same period last year. The main locations of occurrence were daycare centers with 13 patients (38%), followed by schools with 131 patients (38%), kindergartens with 27 patients (8%), and restaurants with 25 patients (7%).

Food poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming food. If diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain persists for 3 to 5 days, food poisoning should be suspected. Food poisoning mainly occurs when consuming food contaminated with bacteria or being exposed to a contaminated natural environment. Key prevention measures include ▲cooking food thoroughly ▲sterilizing and disinfecting cutting boards, dishcloths, and cooking utensils ▲washing hands frequently.

Over the past five years, the main pathogens causing spring food poisoning were norovirus at 33%, Salmonella at 26%, and Clostridium perfringens at 16%.

The province plans to conduct focused inspections and guidance in collaboration with city and county governments, education offices, and other agencies at facilities prone to food poisoning such as restaurants, daycare centers, and schools. They will also carry out public awareness campaigns and simulated food poisoning response drills on-site.

A provincial official stated, "With the increase in dining out and outdoor activities and rising spring temperatures, the risk of food poisoning has grown," and urged, "Food handling businesses such as restaurants should strictly manage hygiene, and residents should pay attention to personal hygiene such as hand washing."

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