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In recent weeks, we have heard about outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphlococcous Aureus) outside of hospital / healthcare settings called community associated, or CA-MRSA, and this jump in reported cases has caused concern over the spread of the so-called "superbug" and potential impact.
As a manager responsible for cleaning of a school facility, health club, spa or other potentially susceptible area, it is always important to differentiate fact from fiction. To control cross-contamination on environmental surfaces and minimize all strains of MRSA (and other pathogenic organism) spread by bodily contact, it is vital to follow proper guidelines for the correct use of disinfectants and other cleaning products. Further, pro-actively promoting overall proper hygiene practices in the facility will be a huge step to controlling outbreaks.
What is the difference between CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA? |
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In simple terms HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA strains are genetically different organisms which use different testing protocols. While this is an important fact for those infected or who could potentially become infected, there is no differentiation when it comes to providing efficacy on an environmental surface. EPA-registered disinfectant cleaners that claim efficacy for MRSA are universally suitable for MRSA, HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA on hard, inanimate environmental surfaces. "There are at least three different S. aureus strains in the United States that can cause CA-MRSA infections. CDC continues to work with state and local health departments to gather organisms and epidemiologic data from known cases to determine why certain groups of people get these infections." 1 |
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PROPER USE OF CLEANERS AND DISINFECTANTS
As prescribed in certified green cleaning procedure guidelines (Green Seal, Inc. GS-42 Green Cleaning Standard), proper use of EPA-Registered Disinfectant Cleaners should follow these guidelines: |
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5.6 Disinfection
For cleaning operations that involve disinfection the Cleaning Service Provider shall:
5.6.1 Perform disinfection in areas or on surfaces where pathogens can collect and breed, such as in restrooms or on door handles, bathroom faucets, and other fomities. Use disinfectants only where required.
5.6.2 Perform disinfection using only EPA-registered disinfectants or EPA-registered disinfection devices.
5.6.3 When using chemical disinfectants or cleaner/disinfectants, follow product label directions for preparation of disinfecting solutions (e.g., dilution rate), and the appropriate disinfecting and cleaning method for the area to be cleaned (e.g., dwell time and whether pre-cleaning is required). |
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Further, the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) offers this recommendation:
"Cleaning surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants is effective at removing MRSA from the environment." 2
Specific to this discussion, it is important to use an EPA-registered disinfectant cleaner that claims efficacy for MRSA only in critical areas for pathogenic cross-contamination (such as restrooms, locker rooms and related areas). To promote green cleaning procedures, follow label instructions carefully for proper application and use, allowing ample dwell time for the product to achieve full efficacy.
NCL offers a variety of high performance, EPA-registered products in this category, including our EARTH SENSE® Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner (free of added dyes and fragrance), which is an ideal product for use as a part of a green cleaning program. Other products include dilatable products such as EARTH SENSE® #7 Healthcare Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner, MICRO-CHEM PLUS™ Detergent Disinfectant Cleaner, and ready to-use solutions like BATHROOM PLUS™ Non-Acid Disinfectant Bowl & Bathroom Cleaner or PRONTO TB™ Ready-To-Use Foaming Disinfectant Cleaner.
PRO-ACTIVELY PROMOTE OVERALL PROPER HYGIENE PRACTICES |
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According to the CDC, "Practicing good hygiene… keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water… showering immediately after participating in exercise" 2 greatly contributes to minimizing MRSA outbreaks. Again, within the context of green cleaning procedures, our advice is to encourage frequent hand washing with a Green Seal Certified Hand Cleaner (such as EARTH SENSE® Certified Green Foaming Hand Cleaner or Certified Green Liquid Hand Cleaner). Following proper hand washing procedures for optimum results |
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(soap, warm water, and friction for 20-30 seconds) will remove 99% or more of harmful microorganisms from hands. Also, washing will remove soils and contaminants that are often found in soil, such as lead. 3
Other steps to controlling outbreaks would include:
- covering skin traumas such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed, and
- avoiding sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with bare skin.
Minimizing the outbreaks of this difficult to control pathogen will take a consistent, methodical approach to cleaning and proper hygiene.
For more information on NCL Disinfectant Cleaners, please visit out website (www.nclonline.com) or call our Tech Support Hotline at (800) 628-2436, ext. 261
1 Excerpt from www.cdc.gov – Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools
2 Excerpt from www.cdc.gov – Questions and Answers about Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Schools
3 Excerpt from Excerpt from New York State Office of Facilities Planning – Green Cleaning Product Update – May 2007 | |
