Saxony: Barmer reports a significant increase in noroviruses in Saxony

Dresden (dpa / sn) - The Barmer health insurance company has registered a significant increase in noroviruses in Saxony this year.

Saxony: Barmer reports a significant increase in noroviruses in Saxony

Dresden (dpa / sn) - The Barmer health insurance company has registered a significant increase in noroviruses in Saxony this year. On Tuesday, she referred to information from the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin. After that, more than 4,400 cases of infection were reported in Bavaria from January to the end of October. In the whole of 2021, on the other hand, there were 4099 cases, and in 2020 only 3232 cases. According to Barmer, a good half of all diarrheal diseases are caused by noroviruses.

"The strict hygiene measures due to the corona pandemic had a positive side effect. They also significantly reduced the number of infections with other pathogens," explained Saxon Barmer boss Fabian Magerl. With the easing of the measures, the norovirus can now spread better again. "Especially now, in the cold season, gastrointestinal infections are particularly common. Noroviruses are extremely infectious."

Noroviruses cause severe diarrhea and violent vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, headaches and muscle pain, exhaustion and, in rare cases, increased body temperature, it said. "Anyone who has been infected with noroviruses notices that pretty quickly. They get sick within a few hours. Even if diarrhea and vomiting are of course very unpleasant, the symptoms of those affected subside in the vast majority of cases after twelve to 72 hours," explained skinny Hygiene is the best protection.