The "Daiheigen Hotel" in Tokachi Otofuke Town, Hokkaido, has been linked to a mass food poisoning incident involving norovirus, affecting 140 guests who experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Local health authorities confirmed on April 19 that norovirus was detected in fecal samples from five hotel chefs and 11 guests. The hotel has suspended operations for a week to conduct thorough sanitation measures and is expected to reopen on April 28.
Between April 8 and 12, 140 of the 627 guests who dined at the hotel's buffet restaurant developed symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to fever. The affected individuals, aged 3 to 88, included 51 who sought medical attention, with one woman in her 70s hospitalized. All patients have since shown improvement.
Health investigators traced the outbreak to norovirus detected in food prepared at the hotel. Samples from chefs and infected guests confirmed the presence of the highly contagious virus, which is known to spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
This incident follows a recent surge in norovirus cases across Japan. Similar outbreaks have been reported at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant and an izakaya (pub) in Toyama Prefecture, a hospital and daycare center in Fukuoka Prefecture, and a snack bar in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
On April 19, the Chinese Embassy in Japan urged citizens, particularly travelers, to exercise heightened caution regarding food safety. The advisory highlighted Japan's ongoing spike in norovirus-related gastroenteritis cases, with infection rates reportedly reaching a 10-year seasonal high. The embassy also noted severe cases, including fatalities, linked to recent foodborne illnesses.
Health experts advise thorough handwashing, avoiding undercooked food, and staying hydrated to mitigate infection risks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as norovirus remains a significant public health concern in Japan.
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