EMERGING AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

WHAT ARE EMERGING AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES?

The CDC defines infectious diseases as “illnesses caused by germs (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that enter the body, multiply, and cause an infection.” Depending on the disease, there are different ways that it can be spread:

1. From one person to another
2. Through germs carried in air, water, food, or soil
3. By insects, ticks, or animals

Emerging diseases are infections that have increased recently or are threatening to increase in the near future. These infections could be

1. Newly discovered
2. Completely new to an area
3. Reappearing in an area
4. Caused by bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics

HOW DO WE REDUCE THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS & EMERGING DISEASES?

There are various pathogenic microorganisms that can be infectious, which have differing levels of difficulty to inactivate. Many of the recent emerging pathogens we have seen are enveloped viruses, including Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Enveloped viruses are more susceptible to disinfectants, so they are less difficult to inactivate. This also means, however, that they are easier to spread and re-contaminate.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL?

If you need help setting up or maintaining routine cleanliness conditions, or if you believe you or your facility has been exposed to someone with an infectious disease, you may want to call in a professional like ServiceMaster Clean to disinfect.

HOW CAN CleanMyPlace HELP?

1. Our expert technicians are trained to clean first to remove organic loads and gross soiling. Then they sanitize or disinfect as appropriate.
2. When we do this, we follow the guidelines set in place by the CDC, EPA, FDA, WHO, and other regulatory functions as appropriate. There are many methods of disinfection and you can be assured that your technician is trained to do each in the recommended manner. Our technicians also use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) with your security and privacy in consideration.

WHAT IS RECONTAMINATION?

Though we disinfect using the recommended products and protocols, someone entering the space can then re-contaminate after the disinfection.

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES, STAFF AND CUSTOMERS?

1. Follow CDC recommendations to help break the cycle of infection including using appropriate hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.
2. Maintain general preparedness: Hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and maintaining routine cleanliness are great ways to keep yourself healthy, not just when infectious diseases are spreading.
3. If your business of facility needs disinfecting, the experts at CleanMyPlace are here to help you.

If you are interested in learning more about our infection prevention services, or if you believe your facility has been exposed to an infectious disease, please contact us to schedule a consultation.