Preschool children contract infectious diarrheal diseases more frequently than schoolchildren. One reason for this may be insufficient hand hygiene during infancy. Norovirus infections (opens in a new tab) are particularly suspected during the cold season.
Complaints
Vomiting, diarrhea, feeling ill. A doctor's certificate is not required.
Incubation period and infection
The incubation period, i.e. the time between infection with the pathogen and the outbreak of the disease, is a few hours to three days.
About three days after recovery, the excretion of the pathogen in the stool decreases, but continues for days or weeks. Therefore, if your child falls ill with diarrhea or vomiting, keep them at home for another two to three days, not just during the illness! This will significantly reduce the risk of infection in the community facility. This is because the pathogens are still excreted when the stool is solid again. No one is protected by antibodies. Anyone can quickly fall ill again!
Contact persons and re-admission
Siblings without symptoms may continue to attend Kindergarten or school.
The sick child should not return to school or Kita until at least two, preferably three days after the symptoms have disappeared.
Obligation to report according to § 34 Infection Protection Act
Further information, especially on hygiene measures, can be found here:
Robert Koch Institute (opens in a new tab)