Seasonal house call · Summer
Summer Gastroenteritis Berlin
Summer Gastroenteritis Berlin is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Summer brings rising bacterial GI cases in Berlin: salmonella from undercooled poultry, campylobacter from raw chicken, EHEC from raw milk or vegetables. Plus traveller's diarrhoea after Mediterranean or tropical returns. We treat at home or hotel — with diagnostics, targeted therapy and fluid replacement.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Summer gastroenteritis in Berlin — why cases rise
High temperatures favour the growth of gut pathogens. Barbecues, picnics at Wannsee, buffet brunches and undercooled food are classic sources. Salmonella, campylobacter and EHEC are the most common bacterial pathogens; norovirus and rotavirus dominate winter. Traveller's diarrhoea after Mediterranean holidays arrives in waves to Berlin in late summer.
On a house call we assess severity (dehydration, fever, blood in stool, comorbidities) and decide on stool diagnostics and therapy. Most viral cases need only rehydration and symptom relief; bacterial diarrhoea with fever or blood often warrants targeted antibiotics. We start IV fluids if needed and document per GOÄ.
When a house call is appropriate
Diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours, high fever, bloody stool, clear dehydration (dry mucous membranes, little urine, dizziness), older patients, pregnant women or infants. We examine, assess volume status, secure diagnostics with stool samples (lab dispatch) and treat.
Emergency: severe dehydration
Altered consciousness, circulatory collapse, persistent vomiting with no fluid intake, anuria over 12 hours, bloody vomiting or suspected haemolytic-uraemic syndrome with EHEC — call 112 immediately. Our service complements — it does not replace the emergency service.
How the GI house call works
Call, brief description of onset, severity, travel history and accompanying symptoms. We agree on a time window — typical arrival 60 to 90 minutes.
On site: history, physical exam with volume status, blood pressure and temperature if needed, decision on stool diagnostics (bacterial PCR), therapy (oral rehydration, anti-emetics, antibiotics if indicated), IV fluids if needed. Sick leave and a GOÄ invoice.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Wedding party at Wannsee
Several guests with GI symptoms after a shared meal. We treat, secure stool samples, notify the public-health office if necessary.
Tourist with traveller's diarrhoea
Hotel guest after a Spain trip with febrile bloody diarrhoea. We examine, treat in a targeted way, document for travel insurance.
Senior with dehydration
Older patient with persistent diarrhoea and dizziness. We infuse on site, check renal values (lab if needed), adjust medication.
Child with vomiting and diarrhoea
Toddler with vomiting and diarrhoea, parents unsure about dehydration. We examine, advise on Pedialyte/Orsalit and refer to paediatrics if needed.
Frequently asked questions
When is summer GI dangerous?
Bloody stool, high fever, neurological symptoms, severe dehydration, infants, pregnant women and at-risk patients. Suspected EHEC (bloody diarrhoea) also needs early assessment.
Do I need antibiotics?
Only for certain bacterial infections — viral gastroenteritis does not benefit. We decide based on clinical picture and travel history; in salmonella without risk factors, antibiotics are often counterproductive.
How do I tell norovirus from salmonella?
Not always clear clinically. Norovirus: stormy onset with vomiting, short, often in clusters (family, daycare). Salmonella: fever, often bloody, longer duration, poultry/egg link. Stool diagnostics clarify.
How much should I drink with diarrhoea?
About 200–250 ml after each stool, plus normal fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS, from the pharmacy) are better than water alone because they replace electrolytes.