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Especially many cases in 2017 More and more hantavirus diseases
In various regions of Germany, there is currently an increased risk of hantaviur infections. According to experts, the number of illnesses has risen sharply compared with the previous year, including in Lower Saxony. Most of the cases there were mostly registered in a county.
Significantly more hantavirus infections
In recent months, a rapid increase in hantavirus infections has been registered. The numbers are significantly higher than in the previous year. While the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 282 cases nationwide in 2016, this year it was already 607 by mid-May. The number of infections varies from year to year in Lower Saxony as well.
In various regions of Germany, the number of hantavirus diseases has increased sharply. The viruses are transmitted via the excretions of infected rodents. Experts explain how to protect yourself. (Image: alexlmx / fotolia.com) Experts expect rising numbers
The number of hantavirus diseases in Lower Saxony has risen sharply this year compared to the previous year, reports the news agency dpa.
While last year there were still 17 registered cases, there were already 57 cases in 2017 until the end of last week, explained the spokesman for the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) in Hanover, Holger Scharlach.
According to the information, 41 of the 57 registered cases were reported from the district of Osnabrück. This was also affected in the previous years.
"It is expected that the number of cases will increase this year," said the spokesman.
Viruses are mainly transmitted via faeces of the red chick
"The increased case numbers result from an increased mouse density in the so-called fattening years of beeches and oaks, whose fruits are the food source for the red chickens," writes the NLGA on its website.
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.
"Human-to-human transmission and infection via pets or vectors (such as mosquitoes or ticks) is not scientifically proven," says NLGA.
Infection can be difficult
The pathogens spread in this country cause flu-like symptoms with an infection, with high fever, headache, abdominal pain and back pain, reports the RKI.
When such symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.
In the further course, a drop in blood pressure and eventually kidney dysfunction until acute renal failure can be added, the experts warn in a leaflet.
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
The RKI also explains how to protect yourself: "You can reduce the risk of hantavirus infection by avoiding contact with rodents and their excretions and taking certain precautions."
According to the experts, this includes "above all preventing the penetration of rodents into the living area and its immediate surroundings."
These measures should be implemented, especially in known endemic areas, if rodent infestation has been identified or if activities are performed in locations where rodents are expected to occur.
Since gardening, dust sweeping in the open air or in garages and sheds are the main risks of infection, Gerhard Bojara, head of the Health Service for the district and city of Osnabrück, advises in a statement:
"Of vital importance is good hand hygiene. After these activities, your hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. "
Rubber gloves should always be worn when removing mouse droppings or dead mice. For all dust-related activities, close-fitting mouth and nose protection is recommended.
It is also recommended that it is cleaned damp to prevent the formation of dust.
The experts point out that the use of vacuum cleaners can aggravate the problem even more, because the filters in the vacuum cleaners are not sufficient to prevent viruses. The virus-containing dust can be whirled up and inhaled. (Ad)