Norovirus Cases Surge as Winter Approaches, Health Officials Warn
South Korea is seeing a rise in norovirus infections as colder weather brings people indoors for year-end gatherings, prompting health officials to issue preventative guidelines. The highly contagious virus, known for causing acute gastroenteritis, is particularly prevalent during the winter months and can lead to outbreaks in communal settings like schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Even prior infection offers limited protection,with immunity being short-lived,and currently,no vaccine exists.
Norovirus is notoriously resilient, surviving temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius and resisting typical cooking temperatures or standard chlorine levels in tap water. However, the virus is effectively eliminated by heating to 70 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes or 100 degrees Celsius for over a minute, making thorough cooking of oysters and shellfish crucial. Fruits and vegetables should be washed multiple times under running water and, when possible, peeled before consumption. Sharing drinking glasses and utensils at gatherings is also discouraged.
Individuals infected with norovirus should isolate themselves for 48 hours after symptoms subside and maintain separate living spaces, including bathroom access, from other household members. transmission can occur through fecal matter, and flushing toilets without closing the lid can aerosolize the virus. Disinfection of contaminated surfaces and items with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 50 parts water) is recommended,with the use of masks and gloves to prevent droplet-based infection.
“To prevent norovirus infection, it is essential to wash your hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds. You must always keep the habit of washing your hands, especially after using the bathroom, before cooking food, and after going out,” stated Professor Kim Jeong-yeon.
Reporter Jeong Simkyo of Money Today contributed to this report. simkyo@mt.co.kr
