Emerging and Infectious Diseases

The Center for Disease Control (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:

1. From one person to another
2. Through germs carried in air, water, food, or soil
3. 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

1. Newly discovered
2. Completely new to an area
3. Reappearing in an area
4. Caused by bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics

https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/who-we-are/about-our-name.html

COVID-19 is an enveloped virus causing mild to severe respiratory illness that can spread from person
to person. It was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person between those in close contact (within ~2 metres or 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible for a person to get the virus by touching a surface or object and then touching their own nose, mouth, or possibly eyes, although at this time this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#h

Often times when it comes to the words clean, sanitize and disinfect they are used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between these terms and knowing what they mean can help keep your home or workplace a clean and safe environment.

Cleaning physically removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. It involves using soap or detergent and water along with a mechanical action such as wiping to remove germs from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. In order to kill germs properly, chemicals need to be applied according to the label as each product is different. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. In order for a product to be considered a sanitizer, it must reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9 percent. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, which may appear 2-14 days post
exposure.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html

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.

Follow WHO and Health Canada recommendations to help break the cycle of infection including using appropriate hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#h

If you need help maintaining routine cleanliness conditions, or if you believe you or your facility/property has been exposed to someone with an infectious disease, you may want to call in a professional like ServiceMaster Restore to disinfect.

Our expert technicians are trained to clean first to break organic loads and remove gross soiling. Then they sanitize or disinfect as appropriate.

When we do this, we follow the guidelines set in place by health professionals such as WHO and Health Canada. 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.