Photo not related to article. [Getty Images Bank]
Photo not related to article. [Getty Images Bank]

Health authorities have launched an epidemiological investigation after more than 300 visitors to the Jipyeongseon Festival in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, reported food poisoning symptoms linked to kimbap sold at the event.

Reports began coming into Gimje city hall on Monday, the festival's final day, with attendees saying they had developed food poisoning symptoms after eating food sold at the festival.

Initial reports involved about five people complaining of diarrhea and fever. By 5 p.m. Thursday — three days after the festival closed — the total had reached 313 complaints, with new reports continuing to come in.

Investigators found that most of those affected had eaten kimbap sold at a single booth inside the festival grounds.

Of those hospitalized with suspected symptoms, 17 tested positive for Salmonella and one for norovirus. Six other patients were found to have contracted sapovirus or other pathogens.

Gimje city is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine whether those who reported symptoms contracted food poisoning and to trace the source of infection. In addition, ingredients, knives, cutting boards and other utensils used at the scene have been collected and sent to the North Jeolla Province Institute of Health and Environment for detailed testing.


choigo@heraldcorp.com