Increase in norovirus infections How to protect yourself properly

Increased occurrence of dangerous norovirus diseases

Noroviruses are found worldwide and usually cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans. Nationwide is currently reported again on an accumulation of infections with the dangerous virus. However, there are ways and means to protect against infection.

High prevalence of norovirus infections

In the course of the year, an unusually high prevalence of norovirus infections was repeatedly reported from various regions of Germany. The resulting gastrointestinal diseases occur seasonally in the winter months. Also in the district of Konstanz registered the health department of the district administration Konstanz currently a significant increase in norovirus diseases. By adhering to hygiene measures, you can reduce the risk of infection significantly. In a leaflet, the district health office now informs the population about the most important rules of hygiene.

The number of norovirus diseases has increased significantly nationwide. Experts explain how to protect yourself from infection. (Image: Piotr Marcinski / fotolia.com)

Disease usually begins abruptly

Noroviruses are among the most common pathogens of infectious gastrointestinal diseases, writes the district of Konstanz in a statement.

Norovirus-related diarrheal diseases often begin suddenly 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)