Increase in infections New hantavirus spreads through heat

Dangerous Hantavirus: Significantly more cases of illness in Germany
In some regions of Germany, infections with the dangerous hantavirus are currently increasing rapidly. Particularly affected is Baden-Württemberg. Since the beginning of the year, more than 460 cases have been reported there. Experts point out how to protect yourself.

2017 will be a "Hantahahr"
In Germany, hantavirus infections are currently increasing. Especially the southwest of the country is affected. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 464 hantavirus cases have been reported to the Baden-Württemberg State Health Office. In the same period last year, there were only 22 cases. It is already clear that 2017 will be another "Hantahahr", said Health Minister Manne Lucha, according to a statement. He pointed out that with continued warm and dry weather, a further increase in the number of infections could be expected.

In Germany there are currently increasing numbers of hantavirus infections. Especially the southwest of the country is affected. The viruses are transmitted via excretions of infected rodents, especially the red chick, to humans. (Image: Bernd Wolter / fotolia.com)

Causes of increased virus activity
The viruses are excreted by infected rodents, especially the red chick, saliva, faeces and urine. Transmission to humans occurs either through the respiratory tract or through smear infections.

"The cause for this year's high number of cases is the strong occurrence of beechnuts last year, a so-called beech-fattening year," states the statement.

And further: "Beech stingers are the main food source of the red chickadee, whose population has risen sharply due to the good feed situation. So the virus spreads better. "

"The frequency of the disease varies from year to year and is probably dependent on the density and the prevalence of the local rodent population," explains the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

Viruses are eliminated by infected rodents
The viruses excreted by infected rodents via saliva, urine and feces "may remain infectious for some time", writes the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) on its website.

"Transmission to humans takes place either via the respiratory tract by inhalation of virus-containing dust or aerosols (droplet infection) or by smear infections via the hands after contact with living or dead rodents or their excretions," it continues.

The infection is "no direct contact with the rodents necessary," said the RKI in a leaflet.

Illness with flu-like symptoms
Hantavirus diseases are usually associated with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases, it can also lead to a transient renal failure.

According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs the common occurrence of high fever, back pain and abdominal pain and urinary problems may indicate a possible hantavirus infection and should be clarified by the family doctor.

According to the RKI, a drop in blood pressure and eventually kidney dysfunction until acute renal failure can be added as the disease progresses.

However, deadly events are rather rare in the European hantavirus species, in contrast to the virus variants that are widespread in North and South America.

How to protect yourself
To prevent infection, contact with rodent excreta should be avoided.

"Among the activities with an increased risk of infection include the redeployment of stacks of wood as well as the cleaning and the assembly and rearrangement of attics, cellars, garages and sheds," writes the Baden-Württemberg Ministry.

In order to avoid contact with the viruses, "it is recommended to moisten the dust by wetting before cleaning and to spray the surfaces with a commercial disinfectant".

In addition, "buildings should be protected against the entry of rodents. Food and leftover food should be kept as inaccessible as possible ".

According to RKI, such measures should be implemented, above all, in known endemic areas if rodent infestation has been identified.

The Bavarian LGL points out that "cleaning gloves and, if necessary, surgical masks" should be worn when cleaning in case of visible mouse infestation. (Ad)