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Norovirus can fly far in the air
Norovirus is considered to be extremely contagious and therefore responsible for much of the non-bacterial gastrointestinal infection in children and adults. So far it has been assumed that the viruses are transmitted fecally-orally (for example via contact with contaminated surfaces) or by the oral uptake of virus-containing droplets as a result of vomiting. But Canadian researchers have now found that they can obviously travel longer distances by air. This could explain why outbreaks of the disease were so far difficult to control.
Infection takes place on a "fecal-oral" route
More than 50% of gastrointestinal infections are caused by so-called "noroviruses". Even a small number of pathogens is enough to cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting in just a few hours. In addition, there is usually a pronounced malaise with headache, fatigue and fatigue. Since the viruses are highly contagious, they spread quickly especially when many people are in one spot, such in kindergartens, schools or hospitals. So far it has been assumed that the transmission takes place in particular on the "fecal-oral" route. In this case, the viruses are excreted via the stool and vomit of infected and subsequently due to insufficient hand hygiene, e.g. passed by shaking hands or contaminated items (door handle, etc.).
Researchers take air samples in eight hospitals and nursing homes
Direct human-to-human transmission is the main reason for the high number of norovirus infections, but it can also be caused by contaminated food (salads, mussels, etc.) or e.g. contaminated water is generated. In addition, it is well known that the pathogens can travel short distances through the air, being trapped in tiny droplets produced by vomiting a patient in close proximity.
However, Canadian researchers have now found that the viruses apparently "fly" much further than previously thought. The scientists around Caroline Duchaine from the Université Laval in Quebec had collected air samples for their study in eight hospitals and nursing homes, in which gastrointestinal infections had occurred. The experts took the air in the patients' hospital rooms one meter away from the patients, in addition to samples from the corridors in front of the rooms and from the rooms of the nurses, according to the announcement of the Université Laval.
Air contaminated in 54% of the hospital room
In the air of six of the eight investigated facilities, the scientists were finally able to find by concentrations of 13 to 2350 pieces per cubic meter could be detected. Normally, a dose of 20 Norovirus particles is sufficient to trigger a gastrointestinal infection. "The viruses were detected in 54% of the hospital rooms by gastroenteritis patients, 38% of the leading corridors and around 50% of the nurses' residences," according to the information from the university. From the air, the pathogens could then get into the throat, be swallowed and eventually lead to an infection - which could be triggered in the case of Noro virus only in the digestive system.
Previous safety measures aimed only at direct patient contact
The fact that the viruses could still fly on, was a new finding that could possibly explain why outbreaks of the disease were so far difficult to control.
"The existing hospital measures are limited only to direct contact with infected patients. However, in the light of our findings, a review of these requirements is now needed to address the possibility of aerial transmission of noroviruses. The use of mobile air filtration systems or the wearing of respiratory protection in the environment of patients with gastroenteritis are measures that should be tested, "said the study director Caroline Duchaine of the Université Laval.
When illness necessarily on consistent hygiene pay attention
So far, a vaccine against noroviruses is not possible. Accordingly, it can only be attempted to avoid infection via consistent hygiene. This includes for contact persons of patients, e.g. the wearing of gloves or respiratory protection, careful hand hygiene and disinfection and the disinfection of surfaces with which the patient had contact, such as Toilets, sink or door handles. (No)
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Picture: Aka