The Hantavirus is spreading more than feared

Transmission by infected animals: Strong hantavirus spread expected

An increase in hantavirus infections has been registered in Germany in recent years. Experts now assume that such cases will continue to increase. The pathogen is transmitted by infected animals. There are some simple measures to protect yourself.

More and more hantavirus infections

Infections with hantavirus have been on the rise in Germany for years. Last year alone, more than 1,700 reported cases were reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), as reported in an Epidemiological Bulletin. Experts now expect a further increase in hantavirus cases - at least in the southwest of the Republic.

Experts expect a significant increase of hantavirus cases in Baden-Württemberg in 2019. The pathogen is transmitted via infected animals, especially red chickens. (Image: Bernd Wolter / fotolia.com)

Prognosis should also sensitize for preventive measures

According to a news agency dpa news agency, experts expect a significant increase in hantavirus cases in Baden-Württemberg next year.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Health said that according to a current forecast in 2019 around 1,360 cases are expected in the country.

According to the information, the "Southwest Press" had previously reported.

It is said that only 36 cases (deadline: 15.10.) Of hantavirus diseases have been reported nationwide in the current year.

The agency report points out that large fluctuations in the annual number of registrations in this disease are considered normal.

The spokesman explained that the prognosis should sensitize also for preventive measures for the protection.

Disease starts with flu-like symptoms

Hantavirus types found in Germany usually cause illnesses with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, abdominal pain and backache.

In addition, it can also lead to a drop in blood pressure.

There are also more serious illnesses possible: "Hantavirus infections in Central Europe can cause kidney dysfunction until acute renal failure," said the RKI on its website.

But for most people who become infected with the virus, there are no or only nonspecific symptoms.

Virus is transmitted by infected animals

The virus is transmitted by infected animals such as red-eared mice or brown rats.

"Humans become infected through contact with excretions from infected rodents, when contaminated dust is whirled up and the pathogens are inhaled," says a leaflet from the RKI.

For contagion no direct contact with the animals is necessary. Bite infection from infected rodents is also possible, according to RKI.

The Ministry of Baden-Wuerttemberg argues that the reason for the expected increase is that oaks and beech trees in the country are currently bearing fruit, which provides optimal food conditions for the virus carriers, especially red chickens.

"Hiding and nesting options such as bulky waste or old tires in the garden should now be eliminated to avoid rodent settlements," said Minister Manne Lucha (Greens), according to dpa.

That's how you can protect yourself

The RKI explains the measures you can take 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.

According to experts, rooms with mouse infestation should be ventilated for 30 minutes before cleaning to remove potentially infectious dust particles from the air. In addition, moistening can prevent the formation of dust.

When working, cleaning, sweeping and cleaning respirator mask and disposable gloves should be worn, as the hantavirus can also be made by the contact of injured skin with contaminated materials.

Dead animals and their excrements should be sprayed with disinfectant, handled only with gloves and then disposed of in household waste in a separate plastic bag. (Ad)