Norovirus has been confirmed as the cause of a mass food poisoning outbreak at an elementary school in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province.

According to the Suncheon Public Health Center today (October 27), analysis of human biological samples from the infected students by the Jeollanam-do Institute of Health and Environment detected the norovirus.

The pathway of how the virus entered the school has not yet been identified, as analysis results for meals, facilities, and water are still pending.

Health authorities plan to take corresponding disciplinary actions if management issues, such as in group catering, are uncovered.

Students at the school began complaining of symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea on October 17. A total of 228 students have been tallied as showing symptoms following a complete survey.

(Photo: Yonhap News)