Dortmund primary school closed because of Norovirus

Primary school in Dortmund closed because of Norovirus?

23.11.2011

In Dortmund probably the norovirus paralyzed a whole school. Many students showed typical norovirus symptoms such as circulatory problems, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

After the number of „Diseases with gastrointestinal symptoms“ The school principal Gisela Schultebraucks-Burgkart had decided in consultation with the health department to close the school until Thursday, according to the announcement of the city of Dortmund. The cause of the health problems among the students is a Norovirus infection suspected.

Primary school closed because of viral diseases
The head of the Dortmund health department, Dr. med. Annette Düsterhaus, is cited in recent media reports with the statement that they have experienced the spread of a viral infection in such a short time and such a mass of only one school personally yet. However there is „according to current knowledge, no cause for concern“, so the statement of Dr. Annette Düsterhaus in the official press release of the city of Dortmund. Nevertheless, the school remains closed due to the risk of infection for the time being. As the head of health further explained, it is „very likely to be infected with a viral disease that is very contagious; but in otherwise healthy children or adults leads to no serious complications.“

For diarrhea, nausea and vomiting consult a pediatrician
To prevent further spread of gastrointestinal disorders, the Health Department has, in addition to the temporary closure of the school, provided for disinfection at school, which had already begun on the weekend. In addition, the parents were informed in an information letter about how to handle the virus infections. The health authorities advise parents whose children show abnormalities such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, not only urgently to see a pediatrician, but also emphasizes the need for „Stool examinations, which could perhaps give information about the happenings.“ The Health Department Head Dr. According to Düsterhaus, the affected students already have „for the stool sample test so-called stool tubes“ receive. „The samples are examined for germs by an institute“, however, with the „Results only in a few days“ to count, so the statement of Dr. Düsterhaus. In addition, as a matter of safety, the Veterinary Investigation Office has been set up to assist the health department in finding the causes of the disease.

Cause of gastrointestinal diseases so far unclear
Next Friday, when the school resumes its operations, according to the Health Department, all students will be individually interviewed for any remaining symptoms and in the classroom, only children who are symptom-free should attend. In addition, must „For safety's sake on site and at home, all hygiene measures must be adhered to, which must be adhered to in the case of infectious gastrointestinal diseases“, since it is not yet known what disease it is, the press release of the city of Dortmund. Although the suspected infection with Norovirus close, but so far this could not be confirmed by official side. It also has yet to be clarified whether and how infectious the disease is, said the city. The all-clear can not be given at the moment. Speculation on a possible transmission of pathogens through the school meal delivery were the head of the health department, Dr. med. Annette Düsterhaus, cleared out early. „It can be assumed that school lunch is not the cause of these waves of infection“, explained the expert. Dr. Dusky House added: „The hygienic conditions on site were impeccable“ and besides „not all sick children participated in the meals.“ What causes the diseases with gastrointestinal symptoms actually and whether the Robert Koch Institute for a large part of the non-bacterial infectious gastrointestinal inflammation in children and adults responsible Norovirus has played a role, must show the upcoming studies , (Fp)

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Image: Stephanie Hofschlaeger, Pixelio.de.