Health Hantavirus is spreading faster and faster - already over 900 infected patients

Rapid increase in hantavirus infections in southwestern Germany

More and more people in Germany are infected with the dangerous hantavirus. In the southwestern part of the country more than 900 infections have been reported this year. But there are ways to protect yourself from infection.

Number of hantavirus infections has increased significantly

In recent months, a rapid increase in hantavirus infections has been recorded in Germany - including in Baden-Württemberg. More than 900 people have been infected this year in the southwest German state. The numbers are significantly higher than in the previous year. With a few precautions, the danger can be reduced.

The number of hantavirus infections in some parts of Germany has increased sharply. The viruses are transmitted via the excretions of infected rodents. Experts explain how to protect yourself. (Image: alexlmx / fotolia.com)

More than 900 people in Baden-Württemberg infected

In Baden-Württemberg, since the beginning of 2017, a total of 928 people have been infected with hantavirus, which is transmitted among other things by mouse droppings (as of December 12), reports the news agency dpa.

The state health department in Stuttgart informed accordingly on request that in 2016 in the same period just 77 cases were.

According to the information, however, the number of new cases has fallen sharply since the beginning of October.

According to the news agency, only two cases were submitted in the current and last week.

The disease peaked in mid-May, when up to 61 cases were reported weekly.

Disease starts with flu-like symptoms

The dangerous virus can be transmitted by infected animals such as red-headed and burnt mice or brown rats.

According to experts, the reason for the increase in infections is a large occurrence of beechnuts in the past year. Due to the good food supply, especially the red chick had proliferated.

The mouse stocks are cyclical. Therefore, there are always years with heaped cases of hantavirus. Infections are notifiable.

Hantavirus diseases are usually associated with flu-like symptoms such as fever, limb and headache.

In the further course, a drop in blood pressure and eventually renal dysfunction can be added to the acute renal failure, warn the experts of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in a leaflet.

Virus transmission via the respiratory tract or by smear infections

There you also learn how to get infected. Hantaviruses are excreted by infected rodents (eg, mice and rats) and shrews via saliva, urine, and faeces.

Transmission to humans takes place either via the respiratory tract or through smear infections via the hands.

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

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

Transmission from human to human, as well as infection via pets or via vectors (for example mosquitoes or ticks) are unlikely to occur.

That's how you can 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.

And: "Ventilate rooms with mouse infestation before cleaning 30 minutes to remove potentially infectious dust particles from the air," writes the State Health Office Baden-Württemberg in a leaflet.

"If dust can not be avoided, use a respirator," say the experts.

"Wet with a commercial detergent, wear disposable gloves, do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom."

In addition, attention should be paid to a thorough hand hygiene. (Ad)