Infection Control Center
Worldwide Watch
By Jose Ramirez, Research and Development, JohnsonDiversey

The recent outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) across the globe has put the spotlight on understanding best practices for infection control. As JohnsonDiversey continues to track the swine flu outbreak worldwide, we bring you the following infection control information and resource links: 

• What is swine flu? Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu can happen regularly in pigs, resulting in high levels of illness and/or death in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu can and do occur. The most common causes of human cases of swine flu are related to people who are around pigs, but it is possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person and by a person touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching his or her mouth or nose.

   

  In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were initially reported in Mexico, with suspected or confirmed cases soon after in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, UK, the United States and Canada as well as other countries. 

   

  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed an informational guideline for addressing Swine Influenza (swine flu). This information and other information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also posted information relating to swine flu on its Web site, including frequently asked questions http://www.who.int/. As the outbreak develops, both sites will be updated to reflect the changing situation.
  
  JohnsonDiversey recommends following its local guidelines for infection control. The following link provides guidelines created for its North America region: Recommended Practices for Cleaning and Decontamination of Swine Influenza A Virus. Following the best practices above, in conjunction with using disinfection with short kill times enhances the likelihood that the virus will be killed in your facility.
  
  It is important that basic cleaning and infection control protocols remain in place at all times. Even if there is no specific outbreak at your site, it is no reason for infection control, health and cleaning professionals to let their guard down.