According to the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong on the 8th, Edwin Tsui, director of the Hong Kong Health Protection Center (CHP), issued a norovirus infection warning to Japanese travelers. According to authorities, more than 150 people have been confirmed to have been infected in food poisoning accidents at Japanese restaurants in Osaka and snack manufacturers in Tottori Prefecture. Specifically, a mass infection occurred in people who ate strawberry dihuku produced at the Japanese restaurant Kiichi in Osaka Prefecture and the Kiyotsuki Hwaja Store in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture.
According to local authorities in Osaka, a total of 56 guests were infected last month after two outbreaks of food poisoning caused by the norovirus in Kiichi, which has a history of registration as a Michelin guide. The infected guests ranged in age from 9 to 89.
The first food poisoning accident occurred between April 8 and 13. During the period, customers who visited the restaurant showed symptoms of food poisoning, and the test results showed that norovirus was detected. The public health center immediately took measures and suspended the business for two days from May 15 to 16. However, 23 customers who visited between May 22 and 24, immediately after the reopening of the restaurant, also showed symptoms of food poisoning. An investigation by the health authorities confirmed that norovirus was the cause again this time. Judging from the fact that food poisoning occurred twice in a short period of time at the same restaurant, the authorities decided to ban the business indefinitely.
In addition, 99 people who ate strawberry dihuku and other foods complained of diarrhea or vomiting at two Kiyotsky branches between February and March, and some of the patients were found to have norovirus. As a result, the health center suspended business for five days.
Norovirus is active mainly in winter and is spread through contaminated food intake, vomiting, and fecal contact from an infected person. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mild fever, and general discomfort. Most patients recover without separate treatment and symptoms usually improve within 1 to 3 days. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective in sterilizing norovirus, so you must wash your hands with soap and water.
“Japan is one of the most preferred tourist destinations for Hong Kong people, and those who are currently visiting or planning to visit need special attention,” Dr. Tsui said. “Norovirus is so contagious that even minimal exposure can lead to large-scale infections.” Dr. Tsui urged people to thoroughly manage personal hygiene and food hygiene to prevent food poisoning. In particular, it was recommended to avoid eating raw seafood, make sure that the food is fully cooked, and to deal with raw and cooked food separately.
Japan was one of the most visited tourist destinations by Hong Kong people as of last year, attracting about 2.7 million Hong Kong tourists. This was up from 2.1 million in 2023 and 2.3 million in 2019 before COVID-19. It is also the fifth-highest number after South Korea, China, Taiwan and the United States.
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
