PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS: 12 TIPS FROM ECOLAB EXPERTS

September 21, 2016 – Ecolab experts provided prevention advice on infectious diseases such as Influenza, Norovirus, MRSA, Legionnaires’ disease and Zika virus, which are considered major public health concerns around the world, during a free webinar earlier this month.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, “Global Rise in Human Infectious Disease Outbreaks,” examined the global changes in the frequency of outbreaks of infectious disease between 1980 and 2013. The study found that the number of outbreaks, as well as the number of diseases, have both increased significantly since 1980¹.

“Despite an increase in overall outbreaks,” according to the study, “global improvements in prevention, early detection, control and treatment are becoming more effective at reducing the number of people infected,”

Key takeaways from the webinar are our 12 tips to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases

Awareness, education and train, train, train!
Promote good hand hygiene practices
Coughing and sneezing etiquette
Stay home when sick and avoid others who are sick
Get the annual flu vaccine
Establish a clear cleaning/disinfection schedule
Ensure hand contact surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
Thoroughly wash tableware
Refresh wall signage both front and back of house
Have an outbreak action plan and adequate supplies including PPE, cleaners, disinfectants, hand soap and paper towels
Implement a pest prevention program
Talk to your local Ecolab representative