Contagious Virus Found in Kimchi

Context: A norovirus outbreak linked to contaminated kimchi caused thousands of deaths in a South Korean city.

Kimchi and Norovirus

• Kimchi: A traditional Korean side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables, typically consumed raw. This means any norovirus present will not be killed during preparation.

Norovirus

• Description: Norovirus is a pathogen that can cause foodborne illness. It is a resilient virus that thrives in the human gut and is shed in large amounts in the stool and vomit of infected individuals.
• Transmission: Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated body fluids. Contamination can happen during the preparation or fermentation process if an infected person handles the ingredients without proper handwashing.
• Symptoms:
  • Common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, headache, and body aches.
  • Rare: Death.
• Infection Period: Symptoms typically appear within 12-48 hours of exposure and can last 1-3 days.
• Vulnerable Populations: The virus is more severe in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immunity.
• Prevention: Personal hygiene, use of safe and clean water, disinfection of surfaces, and storage at appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.