Combat Viruses that Contaminate Your Home and Office

The most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, each year norovirus causes an estimated 21 million illnesses and contributes to 71,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths. Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus then putting your fingers in your mouth is a common source of infection. Charles Gerba fromthe University of Arizona (Arizona, USA),and colleagues used bacteriophage MS-2 as a surrogate for the human norovirus, as it is similar in shape, size and resistance to disinfectants. The phage was placed on 1 to 2 commonly touched surfaces (door knob or table top) at the beginning of the day in office buildings, conference room and a health care facility. After various periods of time (2 to 8 hours) they sampled 60 to 100 fomites, surfaces capable of carrying infectious organisms (light switches, bed rails, table tops, countertops, push buttons, coffee pots handles, sink tap handles, door knobs, phones and computer equipment), for the phages.  Within 2 to 4 hours, the virus could be detected on 40 to 60% of workers and visitors in the facilities and commonly touched objects.  In the intervention phase cleaning personal and employees were provided with wipes containing a quat-based formulation (formulated to kill norovirus on solid surfaces), and instructed on proper use (use of at least once daily). The number of fomites on which virus was detected was reduced by 80% or greater and the concentration of virus reduced by 99% or more.  The lead study author comments that: “The results shown that viral contamination of fomites in facilities occurs quickly, and that a simple intervention can greatly help to reduce exposure to viruses.”