Outsourced janitorial services cost-effectively address the challenges of norovirus outbreaks, especially after exposure due to vomiting.
Janitorial Services for Norovirus Prevention After Regurgitation
The human norovirus is responsible for hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
By summarizing findings from studies using different methods and published over the past 5 years, we conclude that norovirus causes on average 570–800 deaths, 56,000–71,000 hospitalizations, 400,000 ED visits, 1.7–1.9 million outpatient visits, and 19–21 million total illnesses each year in the United States.
Norovirus is spread through direct contact and ingestion, or inhalation when the virus becomes aerosolized, often as a result of vomiting.
The previous rule of thumb for cleaning and disinfecting an area after someone infected with the norovirus vomited was to clean everything within 25 feet of the incident.
However, thanks to new technology, appropriately dubbed 'The Vomiting Machine,' we have learned that the radius should extend much further--75 feet further, to be precise.
According to Food Safety News;
So, how large of a diameter from the barf spot should be deep cleaned?
In 2016 the thought was a 25-foot diameter was enough, but Lee-Ann Jaykus has been quoted this year saying 100 feet is needed.
“The best you can do is get yourself far away from a vomiting incident,” Jaykus says.
“If you were in the middle of a meal at a restaurant and someone at the next table threw up, you’d probably be wise to stop eating, and to wash yourself and your clothes when you are able.”
Vomit machine reaffirms need for deep clean after noro ‘event’
What is the Norovirus and how is it Spread?
The norovirus is a highly contagious virus that resides in our digestive tract.
It is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in humans, as well as the most common cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
Norovirus can be found in your stool (feces) even before you start feeling sick.
The virus can stay in your stool for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.
You can become infected with norovirus by accidentally getting stool or vomit from infected people in your mouth.
Image courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Green Cleaning Tips
While the norovirus will only remain airborne for a relatively short amount of time, untended, it can last for weeks on numerous, high-contact surfaces so, when cleaning for norovirus, particularly after vomiting or diarrhea;
- Evacuate the vicinity until the area is sterilized.
- Ensure cleaning personnel wears the proper gear, including a face mask.
- Use paper towels to pick up any physical matter.
- Use kitty litter to absorb any liquids and clean up the litter with additional paper towels. NOTE: Do NOT vacuum up the kitty litter.
- Dispose of all waste in a plastic trash bag or, better yet, a biohazard waste bag.
- Clean the non-porous and non-electronic devices within the exposed area, up to 100 feet, including ceilings, walls, and windows.
- Disinfect the non-porous surfaces with an EPA Category IV disinfectant.
- Use an electrostatic disinfection appliance to simplify the disinfection of challenging-to-clean furniture and electronic devices.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately after the cleanup process is complete.
- Dispose of all protection equipment in a plastic or biohazard waste bag.
- Launder all clothing immediately.
For More Information:
References & Resources
- Vomit Machine Offers Guidance on Norovirus Cleaning
Takeaway
Globally, the human norovirus costs tens of billions of dollars each year in healthcare costs and lost productive days.
According to PLoS One;
Globally, norovirus resulted in a total of $4.2 billion in direct health system costs and $60.3 billion in societal costs per year.
[T]he probability of missing productive days had the largest impact on societal cost estimates ($35.9 billion globally, with a 25% probability of missing productive days).
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of contracting outsourced janitorial services to cost-effectively address the challenges associated with the rapid spread of the norovirus, especially after regurgitation, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
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