Vomiting and diarrhea Norovirus diseases in Berlin are rising dramatically

Vomiting diarrhea: Significantly more norovirus cases detected in Berlin

The number of norovirus diseases in Berlin has increased significantly. However, the increase is typical for the season. The viruses are easily transmitted and therefore responsible for much of the non-bacterial gastrointestinal infections in children and adults.

More and more norovirus diseases

Diarrhea, fever, headache: The number of norovirus cases in Berlin has increased significantly. "The number of transmitted norovirus gastroenteritis remained at the 42nd reporting week (MM) with 52 cases on the increased level of the previous week," writes the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) in his most recent weekly report. The week before, 56 such gastrointestinal diseases had been registered in the capital. That's about twice the average of the 20 weeks before.

The number of norovirus diseases in Berlin has increased significantly. Affected patients usually suffer from severe vomiting and abdominal pain. (Image: Piotr Marcinski / fotolia.com)

Rise is typical for the season

According to health experts, the increase is typical of the season. The main season of the pathogens is during the cold winter months and usually lasts until March.

The total number of norovirus diseases recorded in Berlin so far in 2017 is more than 2,000. According to the information, most of the reports came from the districts of Treptow-Köpenick, Pankow and Steglitz-Zehlendorf.

However, such numbers only reflect the tip of the iceberg, as not all norovirus infections are recognized and reported as such.

New virus variant emerged

The virus had spread rapidly nationwide last winter. This was also related to a new virus variant.

"In 240 examined and genotyped samples, a newly emerging Norovirus variant could be detected, which has not previously been described in Germany in outbreaks or sporadic cases," wrote the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) at that time in an epidemiological bulletin.

According to the experts, the new variant was not dangerous, but could better hide from the immune system, which is why more people fell ill.

Complaints usually resolve after two days

An infection with Norovirus usually hits people surprisingly fast and violently. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the disease suddenly begins with violent diarrhea, nausea and giddy vomiting.

In addition, there is often a strong sense of malady with muscle and abdominal pain, occasionally with mild fever and headache.

"The strong refractive diarrhea can quickly lead to a lack of fluid in the body, which can be noticeable by a pronounced weakness or dizziness," writes the BZgA. Most complaints resolve completely after one to two days.

Small children and the elderly particularly at risk

Noroviruses are highly contagious. Therefore, the diseases are most often found in community facilities such as kindergartens, schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Young children and seniors are particularly at risk.

Since patients lose a lot of fluids due to vomiting diarrhea, it is important to drink a lot.

You can be infected with the smallest virus-containing droplets in the air or even smear infections from person to person, over contaminated items such as door handle and raw foods.

How to protect yourself

To prevent infection with the dangerous noroviruses, certain hygiene measures should be followed.

The most important hygiene rule here is frequent and careful hand washing with soap.

It is the most effective protection against the viruses and bacteria that can be eliminated up to two weeks after the disease.

Each towel should be used by one person only. Toilets and surfaces should be cleaned with household cleaners and clothes should be washed particularly hot. (Ad)