Medizin
By Matthias Protzel
4 min read

Every year, noroviruses cause high infection rates during the winter months. In this country, a total of 30 to 50% of all viral diarrheal illnesses are attributable to these pathogens. Once noroviruses appear, 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 thus help prevent loss of productivity. However, since noroviruses are not only particularly contagious but, as non-enveloped viruses, are also extremely resistant, highly effective products are essential for reliable prevention or 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: Pathogens are released through vomiting and 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.

a woman disinfecting her hands

How can infection be prevented?

Consistent hygiene is the top priority during the norovirus season from November to April. Since the pathogens are most frequently transmitted through 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 that are frequently touched by hand, such as door handles, as well as additional surfaces in the sanitary area, such as toilet seats, with a product effective against noroviruses.
microscopic images of noroviruses

Facts about norovirus

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 processes.

New: “Limited virucidal PLUS” efficacy spectrum

The new efficacy spectrum “limited virucidal PLUS” falls between the existing efficacy spectra limited virucidal (effective against enveloped viruses) and virucidal (effective against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses). Disinfectants labeled “limited virucidal PLUS” inactivate all enveloped viruses as well as the additional non-enveloped adeno-, 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 in accordance with national and European standards. Products effective against “limited virucidal PLUS” should be used both for preventive routine disinfection and during outbreaks.

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

Hand disinfection with Sterillium® products

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

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

person disinfecting a metal handle

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 material-compatible surface disinfection. Classified as “limited virucidal PLUS”, the Bacillol products can also be used during outbreaks.

Persistent outbreaks: The RKI-listed products for areas A/B from the Dismozon range, oxygen-active surface disinfectant cleaners, 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 contain: 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 application of the medicinal product to 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 product is used as intended, there is no risk of fire or explosion.

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

SterilliumVirugard: Active ingredient: Ethanol. Composition: 100 g of solution contain: 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 rarely occur. 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 collect the liquid, dilute with plenty of water, ventilate the room, and remove ignition sources. Do not smoke. Any decanting 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.

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About Matthias Protzel

Matthias Protzel writes well-researched articles on health, medicine, and care for the Medicalcorner24 guide. With his background in emergency medical services and many years of experience as a specialist author, he explains complex topics clearly and helps us achieve our goal of providing high-quality, practical content.