Number of hantavirus infections has increased rapidly

Increase in the number of Hantavirus infections
In recent months, a rapid increase in hantavirus infections has been recorded in Germany - even in Lower Saxony. The numbers are significantly higher than in the previous year. With a few precautions, the danger can be reduced.

Significantly more hantavirus infections in Lower Saxony
In various regions of Germany there is currently an increased risk of becoming infected with the hantavirus. According to experts, the number of infections compared to the previous year has risen sharply, also in Lower Saxony, reported the Barmer health insurance in a recent release.

The number of hantavirus diseases in Lower Saxony has increased sharply. The viruses are transmitted via the excretions of infected red chickens. Experts explain how to protect yourself. (Image: Bernd Wolter / fotolia.com)

Flu-like symptoms
"If there were 56 new cases in Lower Saxony in the whole of last year, the Robert Koch Institute will already register 100 cases with us this year," explained Country Manager Heike Sander.

The symptoms were similar to those of the flu: fever, headache and body aches.

In the further course, a drop in blood pressure and eventually renal dysfunction can be added to the acute renal failure, warn the experts of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in a leaflet.

Virus is transmitted by red chick mice
The virus is transmitted via saliva, urine and feces from infected red chickens, so that you can come into contact with home and garden work or camping.

"Transmission from human to human, as well as infection via pets or vectors (such as mosquitoes or ticks) is scientifically unproven," writes the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA) on its website.

There is no vaccine against the dangerous hantavirus. "With a few precautionary measures, however, the risk of infection can be reduced," says Sander von der Barmer.

Tips for protection against infections
Since an infection with the Hantavirus can occur through the inhalation of contaminated dust, rooms such as cellars, attics, sheds and barns should be well ventilated before entering. In addition, moistening can prevent the formation of dust.

When working, cleaning, sweeping and cleaning respirator mask and disposable gloves should be worn, as the hantavirus can also be made by the contact of injured skin with contaminated materials.

As the health insurance company writes, the general hygiene measures should be observed in the living environment and mice should be intensively combated. So that the rodents do not even set up at home, food should be stored safely.

Dead animals and their excrements should be sprayed with disinfectant, handled only with gloves and then disposed of in household waste in a separate plastic bag. (Ad)