Siheung City: Bacterial Intestinal Infections Up 23.5%... All Food Must Be Thoroughly Cooked

Reported Cases Up 23.5% Compared to Last Year

24-Hour Emergency Quarantine System in Place Until End of September

Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor: Lim Byung-taek) has urged residents to strictly observe hygiene rules when storing and preparing food, as the number of bacterial intestinal infection cases has increased amid extreme heat and hot, humid weather.

Promotional material for preventing cholera infection. Provided by Siheung City

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on August 4, the number of reported bacterial intestinal infection cases until the fourth week of July this year rose by 23.5% compared to the same period last year. In particular, cases of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infections are on the rise.

Campylobacter can be transmitted through undercooked poultry such as chicken, unpasteurized dairy products, and contaminated water. When preparing raw chicken, it should be handled last, as water splashing during preparation can contaminate other ingredients or cooking utensils. It is best to store it in an airtight container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

To prevent Salmonella infection, it is important to purchase fresh eggs with unbroken shells, store them refrigerated, and ensure they are thoroughly cooked before consumption. Hands should always be washed with soap after handling eggs, and care must be taken to avoid contact with other ingredients.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli can spread via contaminated water or through the feces of an infected person. Those showing symptoms such as diarrhea should avoid preparing food, and vegetables and fruit should be washed thoroughly with clean water or peeled before eating. Drinking water should be boiled, and it is safer to use separate knives and cutting boards for different ingredients.

Lee Hyung-jeong, director of the Siheung City Public Health Center, said, “In summer, the risk of bacterial intestinal infections increases due to higher temperatures and humidity, so extra attention is required when storing, preparing food, and managing personal hygiene. I hope everyone will practice the basic preventive measures, such as proper handwashing and safe food consumption, to enjoy a healthy summer.”

Meanwhile, the city plans to operate a 24-hour emergency quarantine system until the end of September and will strengthen monitoring and response systems to prepare for potential outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases, focusing all efforts on protecting public health.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.