Because of dangerous noroviruses Several patients isolated in the clinic

Hospital in Baden-Württemberg isolates several patients for norovirus

In a hospital in Baden-Württemberg, several patients were isolated after they became infected with the highly infectious norovirus. The measure is intended to prevent further spread of the virus. How the pathogen was introduced, could no longer be reconstructed.

High prevalence of norovirus infections

In recent months, an unusually high prevalence of norovirus infections has been repeatedly reported from various regions of Germany. The resulting gastrointestinal diseases occur seasonally in the winter months. Also in a hospital in Baden-Wuerttemberg, several patients and two nurses have become infected with the highly contagious norovirus. The affected persons were now isolated.

In the hospital Bietigheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg) several patients were isolated after they became infected with the highly contagious norovirus. How long the quarantine is maintained, is still unclear. (Image: esebene / fotolia.com)

Affected patients are isolated

According to media reports, several patients and two nurses at the Bietigheim hospital have been infected with the highly contagious norovirus.

According to the information, the virus had been detected in three patients in the laboratory, twelve other people had shown the symptoms of such an infection over the weekend.

So you go out of 15 infected people currently. Four other patients on the affected ward appeared to have no symptoms.

"As a precaution, the patients were isolated for safety," said Alexander Tsongas, spokesman for the Regional Hospitals Holding (RKH), according to a report by the "Stuttgarter Nachrichten"..

Now there are strict safety precautions: Medical personnel who want to enter Station 1B must wear protective clothing.

How long the quarantine is maintained can not be said at present. "It is decided day by day," said the RKH infection expert Sabine Gfrörer.

Even those who have recovered can still carry the pathogen.

Disease usually begins abruptly

How the virus was introduced, can no longer understand.

Noroviruses are among the most common pathogens of infectious gastrointestinal diseases. In winter, such diseases accumulate, which often start abruptly with nausea and vomiting.

Later, diarrhea and circulatory problems occur. In addition, there is often a strong sense of malady with muscle and abdominal pain, occasionally with mild fever and headache.

"The strong refractive diarrhea can quickly lead to a lack of fluid in the body, which can be felt by a pronounced weakness or dizziness," writes the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) on the portal "Infektionsschutz.de".

The symptoms are often pronounced for one to two days, but then quickly disappear in otherwise healthy individuals.

Basically anyone can get norovirus. It is especially common for children under the age of five and seniors over the age of 70 years.

Transmission from person to person

Noroviruses are usually transmitted via a "smear infection" from person to person. The pathogens are carried on the hands in the smallest traces of stool remains or vomit from patients.

The viruses easily enter the mouth by hand. Very contagious are even the tiniest virus-containing droplets in the air, which arise during vomiting.

In addition, the pathogens can adhere to objects such as door handles, handrails or armatures and easily reach into the mouth via the hands.

In addition, raw foods such as salads, fruits, crabs or clams may be contaminated with noroviruses, as well as contaminated water or other beverages.

Protect from infection

To prevent infection with the dangerous noroviruses, certain hygiene measures should be followed.

Careful hand washing after each visit to a bathroom, before preparing food and before eating, after using public transport or other contact with many people can help to break the chains of infection.

Then dry your hands carefully with a clean cloth. This prevents pathogens from entering the intestine through contaminated hands.

Use only personal hygiene products and towels. Clean areas around the patient, such as sinks, door handles and floors regularly with disposable wipes and then dispose of them in the household waste.

This also applies to visibly soiled areas such as toilets. The wearing of disposable gloves can provide additional protection against infections.

Parents should take care to return sick children to community facilities such as kindergartens or schools only when the symptoms (diarrhea and vomiting) have gone down for 48 hours. (Ad)