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 the pathogens. Once noroviruses appear, they generally spread rapidly. And often with serious consequences - both for the population and for the economy. Targeted hygiene can reduce the risk of norovirus infection in businesses and thus help prevent loss of productivity. However, since noroviruses are not only particularly contagious but also, as non-enveloped viruses, extremely resilient, the use of highly effective products is essential for reliable prevention or inactivation of the pathogens.


What are the routes of infection?

  • 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, which are inhaled through the air by other people as they breathe.

  • Contaminated food: Due to poor hygiene when preparing food, such as salads and raw vegetables.

a woman disinfecting her hands

How can it be prevented?

Consistent hygiene is a top priority during the norovirus season, from November to April. Since the pathogens are most often transmitted by hands, careful hand hygiene is especially important.

  • Hand disinfection: Routinely disinfect hands for 30 seconds with a hand rub that works against noroviruses after direct contact with potentially infectious people.
  • Flächendesinfektion: Flächen mit häufigem Handkontakt, wie z. B. Türgriffe, und zusätzlich auch Flächen im Sanitärbereich, z. B. Toilettenbrillen, regelmäßig mit einem gegen Noroviren wirkenden Produkt desinfizieren.

microscopic images of norovirus

Facts about norovirus

The pathogen is highly infectious. Just 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 methods.

New: spectrum of activity "limited virucidal PLUS"

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-, rota- and noroviruses.

Powerful products for norovirus season

What should be considered when selecting disinfectants? Disinfectants should have efficacy against noroviruses demonstrated 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 agents should be used, i.e., agents listed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for categories A (bacteria) and B (viruses).

Hand disinfection with Sterillium® products

Routine: Norovirus efficacy is provided by Sterillium med and Sterillium Gel pure. In addition, both products impress with excellent skin compatibility.

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







person disinfecting a metal handle

Surface disinfection with Bacillol® and Dismozon® products

Routine: Whether as ready-to-use wipes, spray foam or solution, the rapid disinfectants from the Bacillol range enable effective and highly material-compatible surface disinfection. 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 ensure maximum safety.

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

Sterillium med: Active ingredient: Ethanol. Composition: 100 g 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 if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to the active ingredient or any of the other ingredients. Side effects: Mild dryness or irritation of the skin may occasionally 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 product 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 it with plenty of water, ventilate the room, and remove ignition sources. In the event of fire, extinguish with water, dry chemical powder, foam, or CO2. Any transfer must take place only under aseptic conditions (sterile workbench).

SterilliumVirugard: Active ingredient: Ethanol. Composition: 100 g solution contains: Active ingredient: Ethanol 99% 95.0 g. Other ingredients: Butan-2-one, glycerol, tetradecan-1-ol, petroleum. 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 irritation 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 spillage of the disinfectant, take the following measures: Immediately absorb the liquid, dilute with plenty of water, ventilate the room, and remove any ignition sources. Do not smoke. Any transfer must be carried out only under aseptic conditions (sterile bench).

BODE Chemie GmbH, Melanchthonstraße 27, 22525 Hamburg

  • Tested against 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.