[위클리 건강] Oysters and mussels are in season in the cold weather… “Be sure to cook it well before eating it.”

Norovirus infection is on the rise… “Perform personal hygiene thoroughly, including washing hands throughout the winter.”

Norovirus (CG)

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(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Gil-won = In cold weather like these days, shellfish such as oysters, mussels, and scallops are popular as food. However, these shellfish eaten in the winter may contain norovirus, which causes food poisoning, so special care must be taken when consuming them.

According to infectious disease statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 9th, the number of patients reported with food poisoning (intestinal infection) due to norovirus infection this year was 24 in the 41st week (October 6 to 12) and 24 in the 42nd week (October 13 to 19). 27 people, 43rd week (October 20-26) 28 people, 44th week (October 27-November) 2nd) There is a steady increase, with 37 people.

The reason why norovirus infections increase as winter approaches is due to the characteristics of norovirus, which is more resistant to cold and can survive even at minus 20 degrees Celsius, unlike most viruses that have poor reproductive ability at low temperatures. In fact, it is analyzed that about 65% of norovirus food poisoning in Korea occurs concentrated between November and March of the following year.

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The main routes of infection for norovirus are contaminated food or water, patient feces and vomit, saliva, and contaminated hands. Nowadays, norovirus infection has been reported in dogs, but it has not yet been confirmed whether they transmit the virus when in contact with humans.

When norovirus enters the body, the main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting is common in children and diarrhea in adults.

In the United States, norovirus infection is often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug‘ because it is usually accompanied by vomiting symptoms.

Diarrhea is watery and usually lasts for 48 to 72 hours before quickly improving. In addition, systemic symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, and fever may occur. There is usually an incubation period of about 24 to 48 hours.

Contagiousness is strongest when symptoms appear and lasts from 3 days to up to 2 weeks after recovery.

It is common for healthy adults to naturally recover from norovirus infection within a few days simply by drinking enough water to prevent dehydration. However, in the case of infants, the elderly, and pregnant women with low immunity, severe dehydration can put them at risk, so they should immediately seek medical attention if suspicious symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea appear.