The number of gastrointestinal virus infections, particularly among infants and toddlers, is significantly increasing. In particular, norovirus has seen the highest number of medical institution visits in the last decade.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recently noted that due to the increasing cases of norovirus and rotavirus infections among infants and toddlers, it urges relevant facilities such as daycare centers and kids' cafes to adhere to hygiene rules.
Recently, norovirus infections in the country have reached the highest level in the last decade. The number of norovirus infection patients visiting the 210 hospital-level gastrointestinal infection surveillance institutions operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency was 469 in the fourth week of January (19th-25th), the highest since 2015. Among all patients, those aged 0-6 accounted for 51.4%, indicating a significant outbreak among infants and toddlers.
The number of rotavirus infection patients is at a lower level compared to before the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but the recent increase is steep. In the fourth week of January, there were 123 cases, more than double compared to 60 cases during the same period last year. The age group of the patients had 40.7% aged 0-6.
Norovirus and rotavirus are transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food, or contact with already infected patients. Therefore, thorough facility disinfection is required in multi-use facilities where many people gather to prevent infection.
Spaces or items used by patients should be wiped down with bleach diluted to about 2%, and masks and gloves must be worn when removing the patient's secretions. Laundry should be washed at over 70 degrees and rinsed in a 0.3% bleach solution for more than 5 minutes.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also emphasized the importance of personal hygiene management for users. To prevent norovirus, hands should be washed for over 30 seconds with soap, and food materials should be washed in water and cooked thoroughly at over 85 degrees for more than 1 minute. If symptoms have already appeared, to prevent the spread of infection, individuals should refrain from external activities for up to 48 hours after symptoms disappear and use a separate living space from other family members.
As the rotavirus vaccination is being provided free of charge to infants, it is recommended to proceed with the vaccination as per the procedures.
Ji Yeong-mi, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "To prevent gastrointestinal infections caused by norovirus and rotavirus during the winter season, handwashing and cooking safety must be observed," adding, "For infants and toddlers who find it difficult to maintain personal hygiene, parents and teachers should actively guide them in daily life."