Noroviruses Over 110 people suffering from gastrointestinal infection

Authorities in Birkenfeld expect further cases
In the Rhineland-Palatinate Birkenfeld more than 100 people are suffering from a gastrointestinal infection. The district administration reports that mainly participants of a training course of the German Red Cross (DRK) as well as employees and patients of the DRK Elisabeth Foundation in Birkenfeld are affected. Currently, the authorities of Noroviren as the cause of the many infections.

Typical symptoms after eating in the DRK-Mensa
In the small town of Birkenfeld (Rhineland-Palatinate), dozens of people suffer from a gastrointestinal infection. According to the district administration, those who had attended a training course at the Elisabeth Foundation of the German Red Cross (DRK), but also numerous patients and employees from the associated hospital, were affected.

Over 110 cases of norovirus have occurred. Image: VadimGuzhva - fotolia

The typical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were therefore Wednesday night, especially for those who had eaten in the cafeteria of the DRC facility. Thursday afternoon, 80 patients had been reported, but meanwhile the number of those affected had risen to 110.

33 of the patients would still be in inpatient treatment at the moment, but according to the clinic management they are all on the way to recovery. "No one is in critical health", according to information from the Birkenfeld district administration.

Noroviruses detected in two out of six samples
After the first analysis of stool samples Noroviren would be taken as the cause. These could have been proven by the State Office of Inquiry (LUA) in two out of six samples. "Together with the described symptoms and the dynamics of the event, this finding is the probable cause of the disease occurrence for noroviruses," the LUA is quoted in the communication. Further investigations would therefore follow today's Friday, but due to the course so far is expected to be even more diseases.

Civil Protection reverses the barrier
Already on Thursday evening, the civil protection lifted the closure of the site again after the administration had previously triggered disaster alarm and sealed off the entire area. However, the Elisabeth Foundation had "spatially isolated and extensively disinfected the affected patients", moreover, the course would be suspended today, the report said. In order to prevent further spread, sufferers at home should be aware of certain hygiene measures, such. careful toilet and hand hygiene as well as washing of body and bed linen at a minimum of 60 ° C. (No)