Norovirus in Sana-Kliniken in Lübeck

Several stations Sana-Kliniken in Lübeck closed for Noroviren

08/12/2012

In Lübeck's Sana-Kliniken, several patients are suffering from a norovirus infection. Three stations were closed due to evidence of highly infectious agents. As the second clinic in Schleswig-Holstein, the Herzklinik am Kurpark in Bad Segeberg is also currently struggling with norovirus infections. Countermeasures were initiated in both hospitals to prevent further spread of noroviruses.

In ten patients of the Sana-Kliniken in Lübeck, the Norovirus infection has already been confirmed, nine other suspected cases are still under review. According to the hospital, the pathogens probably entered the hospital with patients who were already infected and subsequently spread. The affected patients were isolated, three wards closed and comprehensive disinfection measures initiated. The emergency medical service gave the instruction, the clinic for the time being no longer to drive, but instead to evade the emergency department of the university hospital. Withdrawal is the most important measure in a hospital, so as not to expose new patients to any risk of infection. Johannes Knobloch from the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein. According to the expert, currently is the classic season for norovirus infections.

Norovirus infections for immunocompromised a significant health risk
Norovirus infections are usually relatively short and intense. The sufferers typically suffer from ailments such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting - often accompanied by headaches and muscle aches. Due to the massive fluid loss Norovirus infections for infants, toddlers and already immunocompromised patients are not to be underestimated health risk. The spread of the pathogens in a hospital is also highly critical for this reason. In Lübeck's Sana-Kliniken, however, the number of patients with a norovirus infection is already declining sharply again, so that, according to the managing director Klaus Abel, there is no particular cause for alarm. From Monday, the clinic operation should take its usual course again.

Norovirus infections at the Cardiac Hospital Bad Segeberg
Of the norovirus infections in the heart clinic in Bad Segeberg significantly fewer patients are affected, but here too comprehensive security measures were implemented. „In one patient, the virus is detected, in another four to five cases, there is a suspicion“, explained the clinic spokesman, Robert Quentin. The affected patients were also isolated and the staff instructed to take special hygiene measures. For example, the use of disposable gels is temporarily required and for cleaning a more aggressive skin disinfectant is currently used, reports the hospital. The affected patients should recover at the clinic Bad Segeberg from a heart surgery.

High risk of infection with norovirus
Noroviruses are extremely contagious and therefore it is difficult to control the spread after an outbreak. The highly pathogenic pathogens are usually transmitted by fecal-oral route by smear infection. Noroviruses excreted with the stool, saliva or vomit infect their fellow human beings. Even with viruses contaminated drinks, food and objects can act as a source of infection. In community facilities, such as nursing homes, hospitals, youth hostels or schools, the risk of transmission is particularly high due to the close contact between the residents and the shared toilets. The incubation period for Norovirus infection is usually no longer than two days, the disease itself lasts for a maximum of three days. (Fp)

Also read:
Health: Season of norovirus infections

Picture: Aka