1) What are Evolving and Contagious Diseases?
The CDC defines contagious diseases as “illnesses caused by germs (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that enter the body, multiply, and cause an infection.” Depending on the virus, there are different ways that it can be spread:
- From one individual to another
- Through germs carried in air, water, food, or soil
- 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:
- Newly discovered
- Completely new to an area
- Reappearing in an area
- Caused by germs that have become resistant to antibiotics
2) How do we reduce the spread of contagious & emerging diseases?
There are various pathogenic microorganisms that can be contagious, which have differing levels of difficulty to inactivate. Many of the recent developing 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.
3) When should I call in a specialist?
If your facility has had confirmed or possible exposure to an contagious disease you may want to call in a specialist like ServiceMaster Restore to disinfect.
4) How can ServiceMaster Restore help?
- Our expert technicians are trained to clean first to break organic loads and remove gross soiling. Then they sanitize or disinfect as appropriate. They are capable of completing large-scale disinfection of facilities with an enhanced focus on high touch and common areas where contaminants could be easily spread (Elevator buttons, escalator rails, material handling equipment, break rooms, front counters, etc.).
- When we do this, we follow the guidelines set in place by the CDC, EPA, FDA, WHO, etc. There are many methods of disinfection and you can be confident 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.
5) What is recontamination?
Though we disinfect using the recommended products and protocols, someone entering the space can then re-contaminate after the disinfection.
6) What can I do to protect myself?
- Follow CDC recommendations including using appropriate hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.
- Maintain overall preparedness: Your business stability response plan should include protocols for contagious diseases and pandemics. Maintaining regular cleanliness and encouraging hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are great ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
As an important member of the local business community who cares about the health and safety of your employees and customers, I wanted to let you know that we are open for business and ready to answer your Covid-19 related questions and provide disinfection services when necessary.
Our technicians are experts in their field, follow IICRC, EPA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines, have the proper training, PPE, and products to disinfect your property.
To ask questions, request a bid, or book service please call: 1-773-RESTORE
We all look forward to returning to a sense of normalcy-Until Then, Stay Safe
If you need help disinfecting your facility, the experts at ServiceMaster Restore can help.
