Every year, noroviruses cause high infection rates during the winter months. In this country, 30 to 50% of all viral diarrheal illnesses are attributable to these pathogens. Once noroviruses emerge, they generally spread rapidly, often with serious consequences - both for the population and for the economy. Targeted hygiene can reduce the risk of a norovirus infection in businesses and thereby help prevent loss of productivity. However, since noroviruses are not only highly contagious but, as non-enveloped viruses, are also extremely resistant, the use of highly effective products is essential for reliable prevention and inactivation of the pathogens.

What routes of infection are there?

• Direct: Most transmissions occur via the hands.

• Indirect: Through hand contact with contaminated surfaces, germs get onto the hands and from there onto other people.

• Droplets: Vomiting releases pathogens that are inhaled by other people through the air while breathing.

• Contaminated food: Due to inadequate hygiene during the preparation of food, such as salads and raw vegetables.

How can infection be prevented?

Consistent hygiene is the top priority during the norovirus season from November to April. Since the pathogens are most commonly transmitted via the hands, careful hand hygiene is particularly important.

• Hand disinfection: Routinely disinfect the hands for 30 seconds after direct contact with potentially infectious people using a hand rub effective against noroviruses.
• Surface disinfection: Regularly disinfect surfaces with frequent hand contact, such as door handles, as well as surfaces in the sanitary area, such as toilet seats, using a norovirus-effective product.

Norovirus facts

The pathogen is highly infectious. As few as 10 to 100 virus particles can cause an infection. It remains infectious on inanimate surfaces for between 8 hours and 7 days, withstands temperature fluctuations from -20 to +60° C, and is extremely resistant to chemical and physical procedures.

New: "limited virucidal PLUS" spectrum of activity

The new spectrum of activity "limited virucidal PLUS" falls between the existing spectra of activity limited virucidal (against enveloped viruses) and virucidal (against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses). Disinfectants labeled "limited virucidal PLUS" inactivate all enveloped viruses as well as the additional non-enveloped adeno- and rota- and noroviruses.

High-performance products for the norovirus season

What should be considered when selecting a disinfectant? The disinfectants should have proven efficacy against noroviruses according to national and European standards. For preventive routine disinfection, as well as during outbreaks, products effective against "limited virucidal PLUS" should be used.

For persistent outbreaks, however, virucidal products, i.e., products listed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for areas A (bacteria) and B (viruses), should be used.

Hand disinfection with Sterillium® products

Routine: Sterillium med and Sterillium Gel pure provide reliable norovirus efficacy. In addition, both preparations offer excellent skin compatibility.

Persistent outbreaks: In this case, the RKI A/B-listed high-performance product Sterillium Virugard is recommended.

Surface disinfection with Bacillol® and Dismozon® products

Routine: Whether as ready-to-use wipes, spray foam, or a solution - the rapid disinfectants from the Bacillol range enable effective and comprehensive surface disinfection compatible with materials. Classified as "limited virucidal PLUS", the Bacillol products can also be used during outbreaks.

Persistent outbreaks: The RKI A/B-listed, oxygen-active surface disinfectant cleaners from the Dismozon range provide maximum safety.

Use disinfectants carefully. Always read the label and product information before use.

Sterillium med: Active ingredient: Ethanol. Composition: 100 g of solution contains: Active ingredient: Ethanol 99% 85.0 g, Other ingredients: Butan-2-one, 1-Propanol (Ph. Eur.), Tetradecan-1-ol, Glycerol 85%, Purified water. Indications: For hygienic and surgical hand disinfection. Contraindications: Do not use in the immediate vicinity of the eyes or open wounds. Note: If the solution comes into contact with the eyes, rinse the open eyes with running water for several minutes. Do not use in case of hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active ingredient or any of the other ingredients. Side effects: Occasional mild dryness or irritation of the skin may occur. In such cases, it is recommended to intensify general skin care. Allergic reactions are rare. Warnings: For external use only. Due to its alcohol content, frequent use of the medicinal product on the skin may cause irritation or inflammation. Do not bring into contact with open flames. Keep away from ignition sources - do not smoke. Flash point according to DIN 51755: approx. 16 °C, highly flammable. When the preparation is used as directed, there is no risk of fire or explosion.

After spilling the disinfectant, take the following measures: immediately absorb the liquid, dilute with plenty of water, ventilate the room, and remove ignition sources. In the event of a fire, extinguish with water, extinguishing powder, foam, or CO2. Any transfer may only be carried out under aseptic conditions (sterile bench).

SterilliumVirugard: Active ingredient: Ethanol. Composition: 100 g of solution contains: Active ingredient: Ethanol 99% 95.0 g. Other ingredients: Butan-2-one, Glycerol, Tetradecan-1-ol, Petroleum ether. Indications: Hygienic and surgical hand disinfection. Contraindications: Do not use on mucous membranes. Do not use in the immediate vicinity of the eyes or open wounds. Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Side effects: Mild, diffuse skin irritations or allergic reactions occur rarely. In such cases, it is recommended to intensify general skin care. Warnings: Do not bring into contact with open flames. Do not use near ignition sources. Close the bottle after use. Flash point according to DIN 51755: 0 °C. Highly flammable. Avoid electrostatic charging. Do not touch anything with alcohol-wet hands. After spilling the disinfectant, take the following measures: immediately absorb the liquid, dilute with plenty of water, ventilate the room, and remove ignition sources. Do not smoke. Any transfer may only be carried out under aseptic conditions (sterile bench).

BODE Chemie GmbH, Melanchthonstraße 27, 22525 Hamburg

• Tested on murine norovirus (MNV)

For hygienic hand disinfection only in industrial and commercial facilities.