Vomiting, fever and diarrhoea: In Artillery Division 1 in Bière VD, about 30 soldiers were isolated from the rest of their troops. The same in the medical school 42 in Airolo TI. The reason for this is an outbreak of norovirus. The disease usually lasts up to 72 hours and heals without complications in young, healthy people.
“Army members who are affected suffer from gastrointestinal complaints. They were separated from the rest of the troops and are being cared for by medical professionals,” the federal government wrote in a statement on Friday.
Noroviruses cause gastrointestinal infections. The virus is fairly easily transmitted from person to person; there is no vaccination. That is why outbreaks are still occurring in community facilities such as barracks, homes and hospitals. Norovirus infections are often seen in the winter months.
Note to the editor: An initial version of the article stated that over 70 personnel in the army were ill. However, according to the army statement, there are 30 army members.