Noro virus on the rise?

Noro virus

Noro virus on the rise.

(26.08.2010) Noro viruses are on the rise, as evidenced by the annually increasing numbers of infections. Thus, according to the Robert Koch Institute z. For example, in Thuringia, by the middle of 2010, 10,313 reported infections have already caused more people to have Noro virus than in 2009 (9,300 people). "One can only react to this with iron hygiene," emphasizes the DAK chief in Nordhausen, Reinhard Puschner, and therefore calls on all citizens to intensify their hygiene measures.

The Noro virus is highly contagious, very robust and distributed worldwide. Especially in autumn and winter, the number of infections increases regularly, with those affected after about 10 to 50 hours incubation period of severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, headache and fatigue are plagued, often associated with high fever. Although the disease is over in most cases after two days and the massive fluid loss can result from the onset of vomiting diarrhea, in rare cases, even to the death of the patient. In particular, older people and children are classified as a risk group for the notifiable disease.

The Noro virus belonging to the family of Caliciviridae are among the most common causative agents of gastroenteritis (colloquially gastrointestinal flu) and are usually transmitted by way of a contact or smear infection. D. h.die infection takes place in most cases on residual traces of stool and vomit., Which can be transmitted directly from person to person over the hands or are passed indirectly through doorknobs, faucets, toilet bowls, etc..

The humane Noro virus owes its name to the US city of Norwalk, Ohio, where the first-time evidence is obtained. The virus, which consists of only one protein coat and genome, is four times smaller than flu viruses and very resistant to temperature fluctuations of −20 to +60 ° C can not harm him and the viruses survive even on contaminated substances about twelve days. Man is the only reservoir host of the human Noro virus.

Since the risk of infection can be minimized by observing a few simple hygiene rules, it is imperative that the patients and persons in their environment pay attention to their compliance. Consistent hand washing, thorough disinfection of toilets and surfaces that have been exposed to the sufferers, separate use of towels and soap and washing clothing and bed linen of the patients at least 60 ° C, are the simple tips from the expert to avoid infection. Unfortunately, drugs developed specifically for the Noro virus have not been available to date. Particularly problematic is the endemic occurrence (ongoing frequent occurrence of a disease in a limited region) of norovirus infections in hospitals (often in geriatric departments) as well as in nursing homes, as the already weakened inmates are far more struggling with the disease. Outbreaks on cruise ships have also been observed more frequently in recent years, with treatment often being difficult due to the spatial situation on board.

The affected individuals are still extremely contagious during the illness and at least 48 hours after the symptoms have resolved. In the following days, there is also a risk of infection even if the patient already looks healthy again. In addition, the virus also spreads via so-called Dauerausscheider that without even show symptoms of a disease that can pass on the virus. So should be paid to the compliance with the hygiene rules also after the disease. (Fp)

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