Health ministry urges proper hygiene among food handlers amid Norovirus detection

Members of the public, especially those who handle or prepare food for others, are being urged by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to use proper hand hygiene methods.

This follows a recorded increase in the cases of gastrointestinal illnesses, especially among children, which, according to the ministry, suggests a viral cause. This increase in occurrences of diarrhoeal illness has also been noted in adults, starting in the week of February 1 to 7, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said Norovirus, which has been detected in some of the submitted diarrhoeal samples, is a highly contagious virus that causes usually short-lived but vigorous vomiting and diarrhoea and may result in dehydration in children or adults.

In addition to washing hands regularly with soap and water, members of the public who prepare food for others are being urged to practice stringent cleaning of surfaces, followed by sanitisation with diluted bleach solutions.

The Ministry stresses that good hand hygiene is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of this viral illness and many other bacterial and viral illnesses. Persons are also advised to keep unwashed hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth; and to generally avoid touching these areas as germs can enter the body that way.

Hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser may be used, although it may be less effective in killing the virus.

Vendors should keep hands clean, protect food from flies and other vectors; use suitable utensils to touch food and maintain hot or cold items at the appropriate temperatures.

Persons with vomiting and/or diarrhoea should stay away from work until at least 48 hours after the diarrhoea has ceased. (MHW)