Over 1,000 Take Ill After Consuming Kimchi Contaminated With Norovirus in South Korea

Over 1,000 people in South Korea's Namwon City fell ill after consuming kimchi contaminated with norovirus. The outbreak began in schools, where the fermented cabbage dish was part of the meal programme.

According to a BBC report, the outbreak began last Wednesday with reports of 153 cases of food poisoning. By Saturday, the number rose to 1,024. Students and staff from 24 schools were among the victims, who suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pains.

Namwon City officials said norovirus had been detected among the patients through environmental samples and in some of the kimchi regularly delivered to schools.

The contaminated batch traced back to a specific manufacturer, is believed to have been tainted with norovirus. The disaster and safety department have temporarily suspended production and sale of any products from the company and are also initiating a full product recall.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, also known as gastroenteritis. The common name is 'stomach flu'. The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain – exactly the ailments s reported by those affected.

Norovirus spreads through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces like flush handles and door knobs.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made with fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage or Korean radish. It is a staple in Korean cuisine, served with almost every meal.

Kimchi's ingredients vary, but napa cabbage and Korean radish are common bases. It also often includes green onions, ginger, and garlic. The flavour can vary based on the ingredients used, but it is more or less a combination of sour, salty, and spicy.

Kimchi is typically served as a side dish with Korean meals. It can also be used in soups, stews, and pancakes.