Managing an Outbreak of Norovirus

Norovirus commonly referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' is a virus that causes sickness and diarrhoea. Despite its name Norovirus can be caught at any time of the year.

Most people who contract Norovirus recover within 2-3 days, however those who are young or elderly or whom have a health condition can be much more severely impacted by the virus, some even hospitalised.

Norovirus is highly infectious and can be caught by being in close contact with an infected person or eating food prepared by an infected person and then touching your face. Effective hand washing reduces the spread of Norovirus.

Managing an Outbreak 

With a sharp increase in the number of cases of Norovirus reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) managing an outbreak is more important than ever. 

• The NHS recommends that if your employees contract Norovirus they should remain at home for the duration of their symptoms and should not return to the work place until they have been free of symptoms for two days.
• A segregation policy must be employed for patients and residents to ensure everyone is protected throughout the course of an outbreak.
• Using the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working around infected people to reduce the spread else where.
• Follow stringent cleaning protocols and ensure additional cleaning is employed such as whole room fogging/disinfection in the infected patients room, following their recovery from the virus.
• Ensure the cleaning chemicals particularly the disinfection chemical being used is effective against Norovirus. Disinfectants that are effective should have been tested against Norovirus EN 14476.
• Clear communication with visitors and staff is also vitally important, to ensure everyone is aware of the above procedures and practices to prevent the spread of the virus.

Superior Antimicrobial Efficacy

Byotrol's Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner and Fogging Solution have been vigorously tested against the European Standard EN 14476 against Norovirus, to prove they are effective disinfecting methods for controlling and preventing the spread of the virus.

 

Please contact SOS Hygiene for more information on the Byotrol products.

Use biocides safely and always read the product information and label prior to use.