Doctor Warns: Using Smartphones in the Bathroom Could Spread Deadly Norovirus

Infectivity is at its strongest level ever

Norovirus is raging.

Group infections are occurring one after another nationwide, and in Toyama Prefecture, a “Norovirus Food Poisoning Alert” was issued for the first time in 13 years. On social media, terms like family wiped out, three days of being best friends with the toilet, and the hellish stomach flu relay are appearing, indicating that the situation is worsening.

“Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that can spread with just 10 to 100 virus particles,” warns Dr. Hirokatsu Kinoshita (57), Chairman of Azabu Juban Jaguar Clinic.

“When one person in a household gets infected, it’s like passing the baton, starting a stomach flu relay. The infection is so strong that family members fall ill one after another. A typical case starts with sudden severe abdominal pain and vomiting, followed by repeated diarrhea.

Due to dehydration, the body becomes severely weakened, so frequent hydration is necessary, and symptomatic treatment is provided for nausea and fever. While adults often recover in a few days, during that time, it’s truly hell. For children and the elderly, dehydration can lead to hospitalization.”

Dr. Kinoshita himself was infected by his son last year. “It was the worst symptoms I’ve had in the past 20 years,” he said.

“My son experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and for about two days, he could barely do anything but go back and forth between the toilet and bed. Although he managed to stay hydrated, it was really tough. About two days after my son started to recover, I became infected. The abdominal pain and diarrhea were so bad that I couldn’t sleep at night.”

However, they managed to avoid a complete “family wipeout.” The only one who escaped infection was his wife, Jaguar Yokota (63).

“My wife lived in a separate room from me and used a separate toilet, so it was essentially a form of reverse quarantine. This might have been what prevented the spread of infection within our family. I realized that separating toilets and living spaces is an effective measure to prevent household infections.”

The frightening thing about norovirus is that even after recovery, the infected person continues to shed the virus for a week to a month. Without realizing it, they can spread the infection to those around them. Dr. Kinoshita points out that shared toilets are particularly dangerous.

“Norovirus is resistant to cold and drying, and the virus can remain infectious on surfaces like doorknobs and towels for long periods.

A particular point of concern is using smartphones in the bathroom. The virus expelled during vomiting or diarrhea can remain in the toilet, and if the phone is brought into the bathroom, it can get contaminated. By continuing to touch the phone afterward, the virus can transfer to the hands and unknowingly be carried to the mouth.”

If an infected person vomits and the vomit is not properly cleaned, the virus can spread into the air.

“Vomit can dry, become fine particles, and be dispersed into the air. Infection can occur when inhaling the virus particles, so it’s crucial to handle vomit carefully,” Dr. Kinoshita warned.