Number of norovirus diseases has increased sharply

Again, increased norovirus disease is registered
In the last year, an unusually high prevalence of norovirus infections has been reported repeatedly from various regions of Germany. Now there are new figures: According to this, almost six times as many cases were registered in Bavaria in 2016 as fourteen years ago.

Gastrointestinal infections by noroviruses
Noroviruses are easily transmitted and therefore responsible for much of the non-bacterial gastrointestinal infections in children and adults. The main season of the pathogens is in the cold season. Now there are new figures about the cases. The long-term view shows therefore a strong upward trend.

In Bavaria, almost six times as many norovirus diseases were registered in 2016 as fourteen years ago. Infected usually it is very fast and violent. But you can also protect yourself from the dangerous pathogens. (Image: michaelheim / fotolia.com)

Strong uptrend in recent years
According to a statement of the Bavarian State Representation of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), 14,306 norovirus diseases were registered in Bavaria in 2016.

The TK relies on figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

Although 5.5 percent fewer reported cases of treatment than in the previous year, but about 5.7 times as many as fourteen years earlier.

Infection hits people surprisingly fast
An infection with Norovirus usually hits people surprisingly fast and violently. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the disease suddenly begins with violent diarrhea, nausea and giddy vomiting.

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 noticeable by a pronounced weakness or dizziness," writes the BZgA. Most complaints resolve completely after one to two days.

"The viruses spread over contaminated food and drinks, but especially about stool or vomit from sick people. Therefore, increased risk of infection exists in community facilities such as kindergartens, nursing homes and hospitals, "reports the TK.

First aid for Norovirus diarrhea: sugar and salt
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as a first aid for diarrhea, six level teaspoons of sugar and a level teaspoon of salt in one liter of water.

"If you want to be on the safe side, get an electrolytic solution in the pharmacy," advises TK-Landes-Bredl. If not, the liquid must be swallowed or swallowed. "Children who totally refuse to go to a doctor immediately."

According to the health insurance fund, nearly half of those infected are 70 years or older and around a quarter are children under the age of ten. "Those affected lose a lot of fluids and should therefore drink a lot," says Bredl.

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

The most important hygiene rule here is frequent and careful hand washing with soap.

It is the most effective protection against the viruses and bacteria that can be eliminated up to two weeks after the disease.

Each towel should be used by one person only. Toilets and surfaces should be cleaned with household cleaners and clothes should be washed particularly hot. (Ad)