Beware of Noro virus

Beware of the Noro virus: This year, especially many people are ill.

As reported by "NDR 1 Welle Nord" on Tuesday, many people are suffering from the so-called "Noro virus" this year. In Schleswig-Holstein alone, more than 3,700 people have been diagnosed with a doctor because of the virus - with the typical symptoms of convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, chills and headaches. According to the virologist Prof. Helmut Fickenscher from the Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, a total of 131,628 cases have been registered since the beginning of the year, which means that the number of illnesses has risen significantly in comparison to the average values ​​of the last five years According to the professor, this was a particularly strong epidemic, which is now declining.

However, there are no fears in the Ministry of Social Affairs due to the decline in development - which is supported by the fact that according to the Berlin-based Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of current illnesses in the northernmost state of Germany would be in a completely normal range for this season. The Robert Koch Institute also confirms a general retrograde nature of cases: whereas according to its data, just over 42,000 illnesses were recorded in February, there were only just under 25,000 registered patients with Noro virus in March.

The highly contagious, very robust and worldwide existing Noro virus spreads accordingly, especially in winter. Noro viruses belong to the Caliciviridae family and trigger acute gastrointestinal diseases. The pathogens, which were named after the US city of Norwalk (Ohio) because of the first-time proof there, are four times smaller than flu viruses and consist only of a protein coat and genetic material. Contagion occurs through people infected with the virus via a so-called contact or smear infection, i. the viruses are secreted by the diseased person through the stool or vomit and by residual traces on the hands, traces of stool or vomit, e.g. on doorknobs, faucets or toilet lids or even contaminated food and by inhalation of vomiting aerosols. In particular, thorough hand washing is considered an important protective measure because of these contagion pathways. In addition, contact with already ill patients should be avoided - if e.g. However, within the family is not possible, it is recommended that hygiene for this time to write extra large:
Regular hand washing, thorough cleaning or disinfection of toilet and surfaces with which the sufferer (s) has come in contact with, as well as separately used towels and soap and washing clothes and bed linen of the affected person (s) at a minimum of 60 ° C C.

Although there is still no vaccine against the virus, the disease is usually not life-threatening and the symptoms described in the beginning sound in most cases after 72 hours. However, as sufferers lose a great deal of fluid during this time, the virus may be associated with risks for the elderly and children. Therefore, in any case, and not just for those at risk, it is very important for a full recovery to drink enough. (Sb, 15.04.2010)

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