Aim: In Germany in 2010 the increase of
hantavirus cases lead to an audit of workrelated
cases. It was performed by the Works
Inspectorate in a polystyrene recycling company.
Here in 2008 one hantavirus infection
was reported by the employers liability insurance.
The aim of the audit was to assess the
infection risk for employees and end users of
polystyrene products. As a result, appropriate
protective measures were recommended.
Methods: Dust measurements and microbiological
analysis of air and material samples
were carried out addressing bacteria and
fungi. 44 rodents were collected and tested
for hantaviruses and leptospires.
Results: The material and air analysis were
rated as snapshots and confirmed the observed
macroscopic contamination. The analyses
demonstrated an increased dust concentration
of inhalable air in exposed areas.
Furthermore Puumala virus (PUUV) was
found in 29 % of the bank voles, and leptospires
in 21 % of the 44 rodents examined.
PUUV also had been diagnosed in the infected
employee reported in 2008.
Conclusions: Based on the results of the
audit, the microbiological investigations
and the confirmed occupational disease,
the management had to carry out a risk assessment
and use of safeguards. In addition,
particular risks i.e. local endemic pathogens
causing infectious diseases, have to be considered
in the assessment. As hantaviruses
are endemic in the region and the prevalence
was high in the voles, appropriate preventive
occupational medical examinations have to
be offered to all employees. However hantavirus
infections must be documented not
only to the employers liability insurance here
but also in other occupations.
