If You Want to Avoid This Disease, Please Wash Your Hands After Using the Restroom [Health Issue]

[Financial News] As the weather gets colder, the number of patients with rotavirus and norovirus—both of which commonly occur in winter—has been gradually increasing.

According to sample surveillance statistics on infectious diseases from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), in the 45th week of this year (November 2–8), there were 54 cases of group A rotavirus infection, a 58.8% increase compared to 34 cases during the same period last year. Over the past three weeks, the number of patients has risen from 24 to 46 to 54, nearly doubling in just two weeks.
Rotavirus infection is an acute gastroenteritis caused by a virus. After an incubation period of 24 to 72 hours, symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, and severe diarrhea can last for four to six days. Most patients recover, but in rare cases, severe dehydration can lead to death.
The virus is easily transmitted through the hands and mouth from contaminated items such as diapers or toys, so infants and young children can become infected simultaneously in places like newborn nurseries, postpartum care centers, and daycare facilities. Viral gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus is especially common during the cold season from November to March.
Another viral gastroenteritis that is prevalent in winter, norovirus, has also continued to occur, with fluctuations in case numbers. In the 45th week, there were 69 norovirus cases, down from 77 the previous week, but still 53.3% higher than the 45 cases reported during the same period last year.
Based on the previous week (week 44), the detection rate of group A rotavirus increased by 2.3 percentage points, and norovirus by 2.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year. A KDCA official stated, "These viruses typically spread during winter," and added, "We expect the number of cases to rise as the seasons change."

Rotavirus and norovirus are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, causing symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and watery diarrhea. Many infections occur when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after using the restroom, contaminating the surrounding environment or spreading the virus to others while preparing food.
To prevent infection, it is important to wash hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds, thoroughly cook food, and disinfect areas and items used by patients. Handwashing is especially crucial after using the restroom, changing diapers, blowing your nose or sneezing, before preparing or eating food, and after returning home.
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter