TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A possible norovirus outbreak has affected eight Kaohsiung elementary school students on their graduation trip.

Of the 79 students who participated, one began experiencing symptoms on Tuesday night. By Wednesday, seven other students who shared a table with the initial case reported vomiting and abdominal pain, per CNA.

The school arranged medical care and informed parents. No symptoms have been reported among students from other tables, but the school continues to monitor the situation.

The Kaohsiung City Department of Health, which received the report at 6 p.m., confirmed that all affected students have received medical treatment and are now resting at home. Officials will conduct tests and track their health status until Feb. 20.

Health officials emphasized that alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus. Proper handwashing with soap is crucial, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and when preparing food.

They also stressed the importance of safe food handling to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Shellfish, such as oysters and clams, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Norovirus is a group of viruses that lead to gastroenteritis in humans. It is highly contagious, with as few as 100 virus particles being enough to cause an infection, per Bo Ai Hui Xin Hospital.

Outbreaks of norovirus are more common during seasonal transitions and can affect people of all ages.

For healthy individuals, norovirus typically does not pose serious health risks. These outbreaks often occur in crowded environments like schools, childcare centers, and nursing homes.

• Transmission

1. Consuming food or water contaminated with norovirus.
2. Contacting surfaces contaminated with norovirus, such as those touched by infected feces or vomit, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
3. Norovirus requires only a small amount of virus to spread. If an infected person vomits nearby, the vomit can form droplets. If these droplets are inhaled, infection can occur.

• Incubation and contagious period

  
  1. Incubation period: The typical incubation period for norovirus is 24 to 48 hours.
  2. Contagious period: The virus can be spread while symptoms are present and for a few days after recovery, usually up to about two weeks due to continued viral shedding.

• Symptoms

The main symptoms of a norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and possibly fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches.

Symptoms typically last for 12 to 60 hours before subsiding, but viral shedding can continue for about two weeks. In general, children experience more pronounced vomiting symptoms. Symptoms usually last for one to three days before gradually improving.

• Treatment

Currently, there are no antiviral drugs or vaccines available for treating norovirus. The treatment mainly focuses on supportive care, as antibiotics for bacterial gastroenteritis have no effect on viral gastroenteritis.

Patients should ensure they get enough rest and stay hydrated with fluids and electrolytes, such as sports drinks or electrolyte solutions, to avoid dehydration. It is also recommended to consume light foods like apples, dry toast, or steamed buns, while avoiding greasy or overly sweet foods that could worsen diarrhea.

Those who are infected should refrain from preparing food while they have symptoms and for three days after recovery. If food becomes contaminated, it must be safely discarded.