Norovirus cases in Japan hit highest level in 10 years for mid-March

This week, a group of Japanese homestay students arrived at our children's school in Australia, unknowingly carrying norovirus and spreading the virus among the local kids.

I caught norovirus twice while in Japan and even had to go to the hospital in an ambulance once, but I've never had it anywhere else. I've heard that its prevalence in Japan is linked to the use of bidet washlet toilets. Studies show they can spread the virus in the air of public toilets.

HalkToday  07:44 am JST

This week, a group of Japanese homestay students arrived at our children's school in Australia, unknowingly carrying norovirus and spreading the virus among the local kids.

I caught norovirus twice while in Japan and even had to go to the hospital in an ambulance once, but I've never had it anywhere else. I've heard that its prevalence in Japan is linked to the use of bidet washlet toilets. Studies show they can spread the virus in the air of public toilet

So avoid public toilets when norovirus is about? I've only had it once, but thought I was going to die.

Both our kids have it, so I'm trying to stay away.

This week, a group of Japanese homestay students arrived at our children's school in Australia, unknowingly carrying norovirus and spreading the virus among the local kids.

They, unknowingly. But you're so sure they had it. How so?

So avoid public toilets when norovirus is about?

If the relationship is true (not something proved) it would enough not to use the bidet function. More important would be to properly wash your hands after visiting any public place not just the toilets.

They, unknowingly. But you're so sure they had it. How so?

As the anecdote reads this is easy to understand, carrying an infection while being asymptomatic (or having mild unspecific symptoms) is common, people will carry the infection without being aware. After the disease becomes fully symptomatic and outbreaks happen it also becomes very easy to identify.

If the relationship is true (not something proved) it would enough not to use the bidet function.

No. Just by going into the toilet room you could be breathing in airborne norovirus particles.

And I would NEVER use a public toilet washlet function.

No. Just by going into the toilet room you could be breathing in airborne norovirus particles.

That is true for every public space where you are in close proximity with a patient, if anything the toilet would have the advantage of most of the particles being sucked out of the room and the patient vacating the space before someone else enters. After all this is supposedly a difference between Japan and other countries, so just having public toilets is not something that could be said to be different.

And I would NEVER use a public toilet washlet function.

The washlet "wand" at least is rinsed by clean water before each use, in comparison any handle you have to touch in order to wash your hands is much less hygienic.

Virusex: Identify by anecdote. Science much?

The washlet "wand" at least is rinsed by clean water before each use, in comparison any handle you have to touch in order to wash your hands is much less hygienic.

Have you actually had a peek at one of those rods? Especially in a public toilet. No way would you catch me going near one of those. Trust me it aint a pretty site, even after a water rinse.

Have it now.

That is true for every public space where you are in close proximity with a patient, if anything the toilet would have the advantage of most of the particles being sucked out of the room and the patient vacating the space before someone else enters. After all this is supposedly a difference between Japan and other countries, so just having public toilets is not something that could be said to be different.

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Public toilets are a hotbed of viruses and bacteria.

If many indeed don't wash hands after using toilet seat then susceptible to infection.

And if too lazy to wash hands then probably don't disinfect toilet seat too even if disinfectant available

Doubt airborne is significant to spread, surfaces definitely

people not washing their hands after going to the toilet, or fecal matter on aprons and clothing is the biggest and most easily solved cause.

Virusex: Identify by anecdote. Science much?

Not identify by anecdote but that the anecdote gives a very common scenario for infectious diseases, It is not my fault if you don't understand the concept of incubation.

Have you actually had a peek at one of those rods? Especially in a public toilet. No way would you catch me going near one of those. Trust me it aint a pretty site, even after a water rinse.

Which is again cleaner than any surface you have to touch in the toilet, those don't get any rinse even if you can't see how contaminated they are.

Doubt airborne is significant to spread, surfaces definitely

Yes, I sort of agree in terms of people breathing out the virus. I don&t think that is significant.

But I do make sure to close the lid before flushing, as droplets do get airborne then.