July 12, 2024 / Brewer News / Care Home News / Hospital News / Social Housing News / Education
Recently, a national report from GOV.uk highlighted an unexpected rise in Norovirus cases outside the typical season.
This March and April saw a 75% increase in Norovirus diagnoses compared to previous years. By late April, there was a significant rise in infections among adults aged 65 and older, as well as children aged 5 and under, coinciding with more outbreaks in healthcare and social care settings.
In light of these concerning trends, vulnerable environments such as care homes, hospitals, sheltered housing, and nurseries are experiencing increased risks and an urgent need for effective outbreak management strategies.
Understanding Norovirus
Often dubbed the “winter vomiting bug,” Norovirus’s summer appearance is alarming. This highly contagious virus causes gastroenteritis in humans.
Norovirus spreads quickly through contaminated food or water, close contact with infected individuals, and touching contaminated surfaces. It can survive on surfaces for long periods, frequently causing outbreaks in crowded places like schools, cruise ships, hospitals, and nursing homes.
While Norovirus infections usually resolve within a few days, the illness can be severe for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Identifying Norovirus Symptoms
Signs of Norovirus infection include:
Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for 1 to 3 days.
Preventing and Managing Norovirus Outbreaks in Vulnerable Settings
We offer a range of resources to help vulnerable settings manage outbreaks, including Norovirus:
Key preventative measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before handling food, and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and faucets. Training staff on proper sanitation protocols and isolating symptomatic individuals promptly are essential steps. Promoting awareness of Norovirus symptoms and prevention among residents, patients, and visitors can also help reduce infection risk.
Our Top Recommendations
At Brewer and Bunney, we know that maintaining high standards in vulnerable settings goes beyond cleanliness; it’s about ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of residents, patients, and staff. Reducing cross-contamination is critical in laundry, private, and communal areas. Our commercial solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of vulnerable settings, adhering to the strictest guidelines and best practices.
Our Schulthess Range
Schulthess Proline and Topline
The Proline and Topline ranges offer advanced hygiene features with specialised wash cycles and
high-temperature options, ensuring effective thermal disinfection and sanitisation of linens and garments. Built for efficiency and reliability, these machines maintain fabric integrity while effectively combating infections and viruses.
Dishwashing
Smeg Thermal Disinfection Dishwasher
This dishwasher includes specialised thermal disinfection cycles that thoroughly clean and sanitise dishes, significantly reducing infection risks. Its advanced features ensure high hygiene standards, crucial for environments where cleanliness and infection control are essential.
Infection Control
The Ozone Room Sanitiser uses ozone (O3), a powerful molecule that neutralises bacteria, viruses, and odours upon contact. Its automated operation and built-in ozone destruction capability ensure rooms are safely sanitised with no lingering chemicals, providing convenience and peace of mind for maintaining clean, healthy air.
Conclusion
With Norovirus cases rising unexpectedly, effective outbreak management in care homes, hospitals, and nurseries is more critical than ever. At Brewer and Bunney we are dedicated to supporting vulnerable settings with innovative solutions that prioritise safety, comfort, and well-being. Our products meet the stringent hygiene needs of healthcare facilities, offering peace of mind amidst the challenges posed by Norovirus and other pathogens.
