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Recent outbreaks across the globe have put the spotlight on three viruses: norovirus, C. difficile and H5N1 (avian flu). As JohnsonDiversey continues to track evolving infectious diseases worldwide, we bring you the following infection control update and resource links:

Avian Flu. At about this time last year, 13 new countries had reported the occurrence of avian flu in wild and domestic birds in a less than one-month period. Despite this rapid geographic spread, the rest of 2006 was relatively quiet. However, just because avian flu is no longer front-page news, the virus continues to spread to new areas and even re-emerge in others, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other government health agencies. The FAO is reporting recent flare-ups in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, South Korea, Thailand and Viet Nam. Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) offers resources on outbreaks in the U.K. and Hungary.

It is important that basic cleaning and infection control protocols remain in place at all times. Even though it may seem that the virus is under control, it is no reason for infection control, health and cleaning professionals to let their guard down.

JohnsonDiversey recommends following its guidelines, AI Practices from JohnsonDiversey.doc, if you are in the poultry growing and processing industries, operate institutions in direct contact with those industries, clean other institutional facilities or treat patients who have tested positive for the H5 subtype of avian flu.

Norovirus. Norovirus, a common problem worldwide, has most recently appeared in the China, Japan, Europe, the United States and Canada. In January, China’s Ministry of Health ordered health organizations across the country to strengthen prevention and control of norovirus. Some outpatient hospital departments in North and South China reported that they had received up to 5,000 patients a day this winter, sparking concern of a flu epidemic.

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:
eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth;
having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tips on proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection and more.

C. difficile. Researchers recently discovered Clostridium difficile in ground and processed meats in the United States and Canada. This bacteria has been around for decades, but until now was linked mainly to infections in elderly hospital patients taking antibiotics, and never with eating any kind of food. This is the first time C. diff has ever been found in food.

Finding C. diff in food, though concerning, offers no proof that eating meats carrying the bacteria has made or can make anyone sick.

Researchers are looking further into the food risk associated with the bacteria. Until then, the CDC is advising only that people preparing food follow the rules for safe handling of meat, especially through cooking.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is also essential. For more information on C. diff, please visit the CDC Web site.