The number of patients with norovirus infection, a viral disease that is mainly prevalent in winter, is rapidly increasing by more than twice a month.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of patients with norovirus infection, counted at 208 sample surveillance institutions nationwide, increased from 70 for a week on November 13-19 to 156 on the 11-17 of this month.
This is the 5th consecutive week of increase.
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Among the reported patients in the last week, 87 patients aged 0 to 6 account for more than half, and the number of patients is increasing, mainly in infants and young children.
Norovirus infection, which occurs mainly between November and April, is infected when ingesting food or water contaminated with norovirus, hands contaminated with feces or vomit of infected patients, or contacting the environment.
Symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea appear within 12 to 48 hours after infection, and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, chills, and fever.
The Agency for Disease Control and Prevention said that in order to prevent norovirus infection and spread, hygiene rules such as washing hands thoroughly, cooking food thoroughly or washing it in running water, and boiling water should be followed.
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In particular, patients with norovirus infection should minimize the spread of droplets by closing the toilet lid when flushing after defecation.
If a patient develops at a childcare facility or school, the Agency for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that going to school, going to school, or going to work should be restricted until 48 hours have elapsed after the symptoms disappear, and living separately from the patient at home.
(Photo = Yonhap News)