The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has reported a continuous increase in norovirus infections for 10 consecutive weeks. The proportion of cases among young children aged 0–6 has surpassed 50%, raising concerns about outbreaks in childcare centers and kids’ cafes. Norovirus is highly contagious and can survive for up to three days in everyday environments, increasing the risk of group infections. As a result, the KDCA is strongly urging the public to follow proper handwashing and hygiene guidelines.
According to surveillance data from 210 hospitals, the number of norovirus cases has steadily risen from the first week of November 2025 to the third week of January 2026, reaching 617 cases. In the past five weeks, cases jumped from 240 to 617. As of the third week of January, the age distribution is: 0–6 years (51.1%), 7–18 years (19.3%), 19–49 years (14.4%), 50–64 years (3.7%), and 65+ years (11.5%). The proportion of young children increased by 11.5 percentage points from the previous week.
Norovirus can cause infection with only a small amount of the virus and immunity after infection lasts up to 18 months, making reinfection possible. Main transmission routes include consuming contaminated water or food, person-to-person contact, and exposure to vomit droplets. Symptoms typically appear within 12–48 hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, and fever. KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan emphasized the importance of keeping symptomatic children at home, disinfecting affected areas, and reporting group cases to local health centers.
With no vaccine available, following personal hygiene rules is the best way to prevent norovirus. Wash hands with soap for at least 30 seconds, thoroughly clean and cook food to at least 85°C for one minute, and avoid attending school or work for 48 hours after symptoms subside. Living spaces and bathrooms should be separated for patients, and contaminated surfaces must be disinfected with diluted bleach. Laundry should be washed at 70°C or soaked in bleach solution for at least five minutes.
The sustained rise in norovirus cases, especially among young children, highlights the vulnerability of group settings and the critical role of hygiene in infection control. In the absence of a vaccine, public health relies on effective communication, education, and rapid response to outbreaks. Strengthening hygiene practices in childcare environments and ensuring prompt reporting and disinfection protocols are vital to curbing the spread and protecting at-risk populations.