# South korea Battles Sustained Norovirus Outbreak,Cases Surge Among Young Children
A concerning norovirus outbreak in South Korea is entering its tenth consecutive week of increases,with a particularly sharp rise in infections among infants and toddlers,according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The KDCA’s surveillance of enteric infections across 210 hospitals reveals a steady climb in norovirus cases since the first week of November 2025 (week 45). As of the third week of January 2026, a total of 617 cases have been reported. Recent data shows a significant acceleration in the spread: 240 cases were recorded in the third week of December 2025, rising to 262 in the fourth week of December, 354 in the first week of January 2026, 548 in the second week, and finally reaching 617 in the third week of January.
The most alarming trend is the disproportionate impact on young children. The proportion of cases involving infants and toddlers aged 0-6 has jumped by 11.5 percentage points in the last week alone, now accounting for 51.1% of all reported infections – a total of 217 individuals.
norovirus: A highly Contagious Threat
Norovirus is known for its extreme contagiousness. Even a minuscule amount of the virus can cause infection, and it can survive for up to three days on surfaces in everyday environments. The virus also exhibits significant genetic diversity, meaning that prior infection does not guarantee future immunity.In fact,immunity following infection is relatively short-lived,lasting up to 18 months,increasing the risk of reinfection.
Transmission primarily occurs through the consumption of contaminated water – particularly groundwater – or food, such as seafood.Though, the virus can also spread through direct contact with an infected person or via droplets produced during vomiting. Symptoms, which typically manifest within 12 to 48 hours of exposure, include vomiting and diarrhea, and may be accompanied by abdominal pain, chills, and fever.
Preventive Measures and Public Health Guidance
Public health officials are emphasizing preventative measures to curb the outbreak. The KDCA strongly recommends washing hands for more than 30 seconds with soap and water, rather than relying on hand sanitizer.Thoroughly washing food in running water and cooking it to a temperature of 85℃ (185℉) or higher for at least one minute are also crucial steps. Consuming food prepared under safe and hygienic conditions is paramount.
Individuals infected with norovirus are advised to stay home from school, work, or daycare for 48 hours after their symptoms have subsided. Separating living spaces,including bathrooms,from other household members is also recommended. A critical preventative measure is to close the toilet lid before flushing to prevent the spread of viral droplets.
Lim Seung-kwan, director of the Korea Disease Control and prevention Agency, urged the public to adhere to these preventative guidelines. “To prevent norovirus infection, we urge people to follow preventive measures such as proper hand washing and consume safely prepared food,” he stated. “In particular, in childcare facilities for infants and toddlers, we emphasize refraining from sending children to the facility if norovirus is suspected and disinfecting the areas used by patients.In the event of a cluster of patients, we ask that they report it to t
