By Lee Kyung-min
Health authorities issued a warning Friday over the spread of norovirus, which causes food poisoning.
Hospitals have reported more cases of the viral infection this winter than usual. On Wednesday alone, 50 patients suffering from enteritis were admitted to Severance Hospital in Seodaemun, northwestern Seoul.
Unlike summer, when food is easily spoiled due to warm temperatures, the recent infection is due to norovirus, according to the hospital.
“Norovirus, commonly found in human excrement, is common in the winter. The colder it is, the more it thrives,” a hospital official said.
According to the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), 40 percent of viral infections occur from November to February.
The virus spreads through infected food or water or through physical contact with an infected person.
The best way to avoid infection is for people to wash their hands as frequently as possible, and fully cook all food, the KCDC said.
The virus is also moderately heat-resistant, so infected food might still carry the virus if not properly heated or boiled.
People with the infection usually suffer from high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients experience severe stomach pain and extreme dehydration brought on by continuous diarrhea.
“After a 24-48-hour incubation period, the symptoms last for about two or three days, then start to subside,” a KCDC official said.
He warned that even in sub-zero temperatures, food not kept in a refrigerator was still prone to the virus.
People should refrain from drinking groundwater, or eating raw food.
“To avoid spreading infection, an infected person should not share food or chopsticks with others,” the official said.
Enjoying seasonal delicacies requires caution, as well.
“Oysters, or sushi is popular in the winter, something that people need to take caution against before eating,” he added.
Norovirus was discovered in 1968, and there is no vaccine yet.
In 2012, the government imposed a nine-month export ban on oysters caught off South Gyeongsang Province after the virus was found in them.
At the time, the government cracked down on seaside garbage disposal in an attempt to prevent the virus.