Norovirus cases in Japan hit decade high amid ‘unseasonal’ outbreak

Hospitals in Oita Prefecture, on the southern island of Kyushu, reported almost 22 cases per institution, just above the pandemic alert threshold of 20 cases per medical centre.

The rise in cases coincides with the ongoing spread of norovirus nationwide.

Infection with norovirus can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea, but patients typically recover within one to two days. However, it can lead to dehydration in young children and the elderly.

Norovirus is commonly found in raw shellfish like oysters, and spreads easily from person to person. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in kindergartens and care centres.

This year, unlike previous years, when norovirus peaked from January to February, the epidemic season extended into March, which was “unseasonal,” according to one doctor.