EMERGING AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

1) 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:

From one person 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 bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics

2) 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.

3) WHEN SHOULD I CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL?

If your facility has had confirmed or possible exposure to an infectious disease you may want to call in a professional like ServiceMaster Restore to disinfect.

4) HOW CAN SERVICEMASTER RESTORE HELP?

A. 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).

B. 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 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.

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?

A. Follow CDC recommendations including using appropriate hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.

B. Maintain general preparedness: Your business continuity response plan should include protocols for infectious diseases and pandemics. Maintaining routine cleanliness and encouraging hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are great ways to keep yourself and those around you healthy.