Norovirus 43 children in the clinic

Suspected norovirus infections in children of a school camp in Zeven

07/25/2013

Due to the suspicion of norovirus infections, 40 children from a school camp near the town of Zeven in the district of Rotenburg were taken by ambulance to the hospital on the night of Thursday. According to reports from the local press, the caregivers alerted rescue workers late Wednesday because many children were suffering from severe gastrointestinal complaints. Until the morning hours, about 60 helpers were on site and took care of the affected children.

After a short assessment of the nine- to 16-year-old children, the task force decided to bring the entire group, including caregivers, to the nearby Rotenburg hospital „Radio Bremen“. Four ambulances and ten ambulances were, according to the fire department as shuttle service in use. Children had shown typical symptoms of norovirus infection, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Meanwhile, however, the children are well again, according to the message of the Bremen radio station, citing the details of the hospital.

Norovirus infection in community facilities is a serious problem
Norovirus infections are by no means a rare problem in communal facilities, because the highly infectious agents are not only transmitted from humans to humans via smear infection, but also survive on the surface of objects for some time and can be passed on in this way. Even the smallest amounts of the excreted with the stool or vomit pathogens may trigger the unpleasant infections. The affected suffer concomitantly with the above-mentioned complaints often a general massive malaise, circulatory dysfunction or dizziness, headache and mild fever.

Noroviruses are extremely contagious
First infections with noroviruses are often caused by contaminated foods. Subsequently, the pathogens can spread extremely quickly, especially in community facilities such as kindergartens, nursing homes, youth hostels or school camps. Compliance with strict toilet and kitchen hygiene is therefore crucial, especially in the presence of norovirus infection in a group facility. Also, the contact with the infected should be minimized or these should be isolated if necessary under medical supervision. For the infected themselves, it is important to drink as much as possible to compensate for the loss of fluid and counteract dehydration. Severe courses require as soon as possible a medical care. (Fp)

Also read about Norovirus:
Wave of infection due to new Norovirus variant
Noro virus on the rise?
Increased Norovirus Disease in Lower Saxony

Credit: Hartmut910