Hantavirus infections in Baden-Württemberg

Increasingly hantavirus infections in Baden-Württemberg

05/24/2012

In Baden-Württemberg currently more hantavirus infections occur. „This distinguishes itself after the „Hanta years“ 2007 with a total of 1,090 cases and 2010 with 998 cases, a new record year“, Health Minister Katrin Altpeter. „In warm, dry weather, the wave of infection is expected to continue over the next few weeks.“ Since the beginning of 2012, 849 hantavirus infections have been reported nationwide. Of these alone 69 fall to the last week.

In hantavirus infection, flu-like symptoms
Usually, a hantavirus infection is flu-like. After an incubation period of 12 to 21 days until onset of the disease, symptoms such as very high fever, headache, backache, abdominal pain and minor bleeding (petechiae) usually appear. In acute cases, decreased urine excretion (oliguria) with „arterial hypertension“ which can lead to failure of one or both kidneys. In some rare cases, pulmonary edema also occurs. If you notice signs of the symptoms described, you should see a doctor immediately. In about half of the reported Hantvirus infections hospitalization is necessary.

The hantavirus was named after a river (Hanta River) in Korea. Worldwide fame reached the virus, after thousands of UN soldiers in the Korean War in the 50s fell ill. The virus is now distributed worldwide.

Hantavirus is transmitted by red chickens
Hantaviruses of red-eared mice are widely distributed. The pathogen is in their feces, urine and saliva. Inhaling a human pathogen-laden dust can lead to infection. This year, the population of red chickens is particularly large due to the abundance of beechnuts last fall. These are the main food source of red chickens. Therefore, areas that have a high proportion of beech forest, particularly affected by hantavirus infections such as in the Swabian Alp. The districts of Göppingen, Reutlingen, Sigmaringen, Heidenheim and Tübingen have the highest rates of new disease.

„Those who want to prevent a hantavirus infection should absolutely avoid coming into contact with excretions from rodents“, explains the Minister of Health. There is currently no vaccine against the hantavirus. Altpeter emphasized that parents should not worry about their children in particular. „Children are rarely affected by hantavirus disease“. Since the beginning of the reporting obligation for Hantvirus infections in the year 2001 in Baden-Wuerttemberg only 51 cases were found in children up to 14 years and of it only one case with a child up to six years. Parents could therefore continue to take walks or hikes with their children on designated forest and field paths. To protect against ticks, however, high grass and undergrowth should be avoided.

For example, there is an increased risk of developing hantavirus infection in work such as the shifting of stacks of wood, cleaning, rebuilding and rebuilding in attics, garages, basements, garden sheds and sheds. If there are rodents in the immediate living environment, these should be controlled by a specialist and appropriate precautions against the ingress of the animals should be taken. Food and its remnants should be stowed well. Certain occupational groups have an increased risk of hantavirus infection. These include employed in agriculture, forestry and construction. Experts advise against cleaning to moisten the dust to bind it. In addition, the surfaces should be sprayed with a disinfectant. Dust masks can also be helpful. (Ag)

Read also about Hantavirus:
Increase in hantavirus infections
Spread of hantaviruses

Picture: Peter Friday