Article by Diversey
General Information
A novel Coronavirus, (novel meaning a new strain of a virus that has not been previously identified in humans), currently designated 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), was first identified in China. It has caused severe illness and death in China and has spread to several other countries.
2019-nCoV was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Most people infected with 2019-nCoV developed severe acute respiratory illness (pneumonia) with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There have been several reported deaths. Investigators are trying to determine the source of 2019-nCoV, and there is a link to a large wholesale fish and live animal market in Wuhan City. The virus has moved to other countries via travelers. There have been several reported cases around the world, including North America.
Prior to this, Coronaviruses have been linked to two major outbreaks: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Transmission
The 2019-nCoV appears to spread from close, person-to-person contact. These viruses may also spread by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms
Current symptoms reported for patients with 2019-nCoV have included mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
At this time, it seems that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. To date, cases have been linked with recent travel to Wuhan China, or direct contact with those who have recently traveled there.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV. The best methods of prevention include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Prevention in Healthcare
The following are general recommendations for preventing the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings (https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html):
a. Providing masks and hand hygiene products at all ports of entry to health systems (hospitals, physician offices, clinics)
b. Place surgical masks on symptomatic patients immediately (clinically tolerable).
c. Rapid triage symptomatic patients in designated areas (negative pressure if available)
d. Immediate placement in isolation precautions (standard, contact, airborne) and use eye protection, e.g. goggles, or a face shield, e.g. droplet precautions
The EPA has designated novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as an emerging pathogen. Based upon this, we will follow the EPA’s emerging pathogen guidance, which would recommend using an EPA registered disinfectant with efficacy claims against at least one large or one small non-enveloped virus to be eligible for use against an enveloped emerging viral pathogen. At this time, products recommended must carry "emerging pathogens" language on the label.
Please refer to the CDC website for further information and guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The products listed below have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to 2019-nCoV on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore these products can be used against 2019-nCoV when used in accordance with the directions for use against the referenced viruses listed below on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Refer to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ for additional information.
An up-to-date and extremely informative map can be found Here.
Contact your CNECT representative for additional Diversey product information.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/infection-control.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/hcp.html
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html
1 Environmental Protection Agency, Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides.
www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-antimicrobial-pesticides
