Outbreak of viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus in 2018 Winter Olympic Games, PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, February 2018

An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus was reported among security staff at the Winter Olympics that take place from 9 to 25 February in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 128 confirmed norovirus cases, which occurred between 1 and 8 February 2018.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A person usually develops symptoms 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and symptoms typically last for up to 2 or 3 days. You can get it from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces and objects.

You can help to prevent norovirus by:

• Practicing proper hand hygiene; wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and always before eating, preparing, or handling food.
• Washing fruits and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly.
• Avoiding preparing food or care for others who are sick, when you are sick.
• Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
• Washing laundry thoroughly.