How to protect yourself from highly contagious noroviruses
In a small community by Lake Garda, hundreds of people are suffering from Gastro-Intestinal complaints. The Norovirus is believed to be the culprit. What is it about this virus? And how can one protect oneself?
Severe diarrhea, violent vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever: More than 300 people have been hospitalized following a Norovirus outbreak at Lake Garda. Over 900 cases of Gastro-Intestinal illness have been reported around the community of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore. It is suspected that the Norovirus is spreading through the water supply. But what does it have to do with this pathogen? And how can one protect oneself?
Norovirus outbreaks occur frequently in Germany on a local level. Recently, hundreds of people fell ill after attending a Stuttgart spring festival with Gastro-Intestinal complaints. However, schools, kindergartens, and nursing homes are usually the affected parties. Noroviruses lurk almost everywhere: on toilets, doorknobs, tables, and not entirely clean glasses and plates. However, the spread of the virus through the water supply, as is suspected in Italy, is unusual.
Italian media are speculating that the outbreak could be related to the currently very high water levels of Lake Garda due to the heavy rainfalls of the past weeks. The sewage system may be overloaded. The community of Torri del Benaco has therefore issued a decree: The use of tap water is prohibited for the time being. Helpers have begun distributing free water bottles to the population. Tourists are advised to stock up on bottled water at the supermarket.
"Minuscule amounts are sufficient," explains prevention medicine expert and medical journalist Christoph Specht in an interview with RTL/ntv. "Only measles are more contagious." "Minuscule amounts of the Norovirus are sufficient to infect." The Robert Koch Institute estimates that between 10 and 100 virus particles are sufficient for an infection. This usually occurs through contact transmission - either through direct body contact or through contaminated objects that are touched with the hands. If one then touches one's mouth, nose, or eyes with these hands, infection is possible.
However, the virus can also be transmitted through droplet infection. Not only feces, but also vomit contains Noroviruses. During projectile vomiting, small droplets are spread in the air and can therefore also enter the mouth cavity. However, one usually does not catch it from sneezing or coughing persons, according to Specht.
If the virus has struck someone, it acts quickly and epidemic. In most cases, an infection triggers strong symptoms. The illness begins suddenly with severe diarrhea, nausea, and projectile vomiting. In addition, there is often a strong feeling of illness with abdominal and muscle cramps, sometimes accompanied by mild fever and headaches. The violent vomiting can lead to a fluid loss in the body, which can manifest itself through pronounced weakness or dizziness.
Protection against infection, according to Specht, are strict hygiene measures:
- Close toilet lids before using the sink
- Wash hands very carefully with soap, including between fingers
- Thoroughly clean bathroom
- Those living with infected individuals should undoubtedly use disinfectant for the toilet
A guarantee that one will not get infected are the precautions nevertheless not. "Norovirus is a problem virus in communal facilities," says Specht. In winter, it develops quickly into an epidemic and thus poses a danger particularly for seniors and children. "Their immune systems no longer function properly or are not yet fully developed," explains the doctor. It is crucial to ensure a high fluid intake during the acute illness phase.
Generally, the illness lasts for one to two days. However, Specht warns that Norovirus is still contagious at least two days after the symptoms have subsided. The Robert Koch Institute even speaks of 7 to 14 days, in exceptional cases the pathogen can still be excreted through the stool for weeks after an acute illness. Specht recommends: "Those who have the opportunity should work from home after recovery." In addition, patients and patients should always first have a telephone consultation with their practice before a doctor's visit to avoid infecting others.
The Robert Koch Institute in Germany has reported numerous Norovirus outbreaks across the country, often affecting schools, kindergartens, and nursing homes. Despite its prevalence, an outbreak through a water supply system, as is suspected in Italy, is unusual. To protect oneself from Norovirus, the Robert Koch Institute advises strict hygiene measures such as closing toilet lids before using sinks, washing hands thoroughly with soap, and ensuring proper disinfection in shared spaces, especially after an illness.
