(RepublicanJournal.org) – Food-borne illnesses like norovirus, listeria, and salmonella are common. While the effects typically last just a matter of days, some outbreaks are so big that the health department or other agencies have to step in. That’s what recently happened in South Korea.
On Tuesday, July 2, officials in Namwon City, South Korea, received a report of a norovirus case. The next day, there were 153 incidents, which quickly escalated to more than 1,000 by Saturday. The outbreak led to an epidemiological investigation. The culprit was ultimately determined to be kimchi, which was served at several schools in the region. In fact, students and staff members at 24 schools fell ill from the contaminated vegetables.
Namwon City’s disaster and safety department ordered the company at fault to halt production and sales, most of which were to schools. The responsible company was not named. Mayor Choi Kyung-sik released a statement saying officials were adopting a “pre-emptive and excessive response” to ensure citizens’ safety. The company has also issued a recall.
Norovirus is the most common food-borne illness. It causes gastroenteritis or inflammation of the intestinal and stomach lining. Norovirus is unique in that it’s extremely contagious and spreads easily from person to person through contact and the air.
Symptoms usually start within 12 to 48 hours and can last up to three days. While many do not experience severe health issues as a result, those with weakened or compromised immune systems may need medical treatment or hospitalization. The typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, though headache and fever are likely to occur as well. There have been no reported deaths from this outbreak.
A similar occurrence happened in the US earlier this year. A school in Fairhope, Alabama, was shut down for two full days after more than 1,200 students and staff fell ill with a stomach bug.
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