Norovirus infection causes a violent form of gastrointestinal flu with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after a short incubation period. Noroviruses, rarely referred to as Norwalk viruses, are widespread worldwide and are also among the most common pathogens of the classic gastrointestinal flu in Germany, which is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Infections occur throughout the year, but usually peak in the winter months. Learn how to protect yourself from norovirus and what to do if you become infected with the virus here.
Norovirus: symptoms of infection
Symptoms come suddenly and in clusters. Infection with norovirus is manifested by:
- Violent vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe nausea
- Headache
- Feeling of faintness due to the heavy loss of fluids
- Abdominal pain and aching limbs
Symptoms usually subside after a period of 12 to 72 hours at the latest. Fever occurs only in rare cases. Compared to an infection with rotavirus, gastroenteritis caused by norovirus is particularly severe.
Treatment of norovirus: what to do?
Therapy for norovirus infection consists of counteracting the consequences of the symptoms. Since there is a risk of dehydration, one should keep drinking water or tea despite persistent vomiting; bouillon is also good. If the loss of fluids is very severe, you should also take electrolyte solutions (vital minerals), which are available at pharmacies. People over 70, small children and patients weakened by other illnesses are particularly at risk – both to become infected and to be harmed by the loss of fluids, and should therefore receive medical attention in the event of infection with norovirus. Patients with severe vomiting are sometimes given antiemetics, medications that suppress nausea.
How does infection occur?
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads especially where many people gather or live together. Community facilities such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals and nursing homes are the ideal breeding ground for noroviruses. This is because the viruses can spread widely via people’s excretions. The infection occurs via the so-called smear infection. In other words, the viruses are transmitted from one person to the next through contact with objects. The viruses, which are only visible under an electron microscope, adhere for days to doorknobs, in towels or on toilet seats. They also survive temperature fluctuations of -20 to +60 degrees Celsius. Incidentally, infection is also possible through appropriately contaminated food or contaminated drinking water.
Norovirus: how long is one contagious?
The insidious thing about noroviruses is their long duration of infection: patients can thus continue to pass on the virus for up to two weeks after symptoms have subsided. But for those who are caught, the incubation period, the time from infection to illness, lasts only 6 to 50 hours.
Diagnostics: norovirus or not?
Not all vomiting diarrhea or gastroenteritis is caused by norovirus. Only a laboratory test can provide an accurate diagnosis. Various methods are available to detect the virus in stool. These allow rapid detection of the virus, so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken promptly to prevent further transmission. However, measures to prevent further infections should be initiated at the first indication of norovirus infections – without waiting for microbiological results, recommends the RKI (Robert Koch Institute). Since the viruses are excreted via vomit and stool, only strict hygiene will help. There is no vaccination against norovirus.
Hygiene measures for noroviruses.
The following hygiene measures are advisable when infected with norovirus, according to the RKI:
- Patients should be isolated – if possible use a toilet alone.
- Roommates, caregivers, visitors and sick people themselves must wash their hands regularly with a virus-active antiseptic, that is, a disinfectant containing alcohol or chlorine.
- When caring for patients should wear disposable gloves and protective gowns and, if necessary, mouth and nose protection.
- All surfaces, including door handles, toilet flushes, or faucets, that patients come in contact with should be cleaned daily with a disinfectant.
- Things contaminated with vomit or feces must be washed as soon as possible, contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected immediately. Respiratory protection should be worn during this process.
- Also, bed linen and towels should be transported in a closed bag and washed at over 60 degrees Celsius.
- In no case should roommates share the towels of the sick.
- Used disposable gloves may only, additionally packed in a plastic bag, be disposed of in household waste.
Since the risk of infection persists for up to two weeks after the acute symptoms, the hygiene measures should definitely be maintained even after the symptoms have subsided.
Infections with noroviruses are reportable
Norovirus infections are reportable under the Infection Protection Act, and in certain cases this even applies to the suspicion of such an infection. Sick persons are not allowed to perform any activities in the food industry. Sick children under the age of six are not allowed to go to kindergarten or school. Only two days after the symptoms have subsided is it permissible to visit communal facilities or work with foodstuffs again, although increased hygiene measures are still advisable thereafter. Already at a suspicion of the disease with noroviruses must be reported to the employer or the management of facilities such as kindergartens.
