Cleaning up after Norovirus

Government figures indicate 79% of all Norovirus outbreaks reported between 1992 and 2004 occurred in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or residential care homes, with hotels (7%) and schools (5%) being the next most frequent locations. Outbreaks were shorter when control measures were implemented quickly, for example by closing wards or bedrooms to new admissions within four days of an outbreak.

Estimates suggest that dealing with an outbreak can cost up to £6300 when taking into account lost revenues, empty beds and additional cleaning costs.

Norovirus outbreaks hit closed communities the hardest due to increased opportunity for person-to-person contact. Government figures suggest outbreaks in the healthcare sector are more frequent over winter and are associated with higher mortality rates. However, these can be contained relatively quickly with effective procedures and tools.

Outbreaks in hotels can persist for longer because the coming and going of guests makes it harder to isolate and control the virus.
Official advice following the surge in outbreaks of norovirus includes the need to clean up contaminated areas quickly and effectively to limit further infections and reduce the risk of more people becoming ill. What is needed is a cleaning regime that helps to inactivate and remove the virus to minimise the risk of contamination and control an outbreak.

The patented Oxivir from JohnsonDiversey has been proven to be highly effective against norovirus and is widely used by the healthcare and hospitality sectors.

"Oxivir, which is based on accelerated hydrogen peroxide technology, is ideal for use against norovirus due to its efficacious activity against the virus, good cleaning properties, ease of use and safety profile for both users and surfaces cleaned," says Timothy Jones, UK Technical Manager at JohnsonDiversey UK.

"This means that it can be used safely and effectively in busy, enclosed areas where outbreaks are most common, to reduce the risk and length of infection."

Oxivir's patented Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide constituent provides powerful disinfection against viruses, bacteria and fungi without compromising on cleaning performance. This broad-spectrum detergent-disinfectant is claimed to be suitable for a broader range of uses compared with products using quaternary ammonium compounds as the active material. Oxivir is safe to use on most washable surfaces, including fabrics and soft furnishings.

Norovirus is typically passed on by hand contact and via the spread of water droplets caused by vomiting and sneezing. It can be prevented or controlled by reducing the opportunities for infection transmission. Early recognition and response to an outbreak will limit the severity and extent of the illness. Treating all body spillages as contaminated and targeting 'hot spots' by cleaning with Oxivir on a daily basis helps to reduce and contain outbreak frequency and longevity. Basic infection control practices, such as good hand hygiene and simple best-practice cleaning procedures using Oxivir, can stop norovirus in its tracks.

T: 0800 525525
E: kathryn.berry@johnsondiversey.com
W: www.johnsondiversey.com

17th January 2008