New Research Finds COVID-19 Also Spread by Fecal-Oral Route


While many building managers and cleaning professionals are focused on the fact that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is spread by inhaling germs or touching contaminated surfaces, new evidence from China indicates it can also be spread by fecal-oral transmission.
 
The research was conducted by Dr. Hong Shan of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, at Sun Yat-Sen University, in Zhuhai, China.
 
This hospital was founded in 1924 and is considered one of China's preeminent medical research centers. 
 
Dr. Shan and his staff were one of the first medical teams to recognize that the SARS virus of the early 2000s could also be spread by fecal-oral transmission.
 
Shan's latest research uncovered the following:
 
  • · A large percentage of coronavirus patients experienced diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort before the onset of respiratory symptoms.
  • · The genetic material associated with the coronavirus, RNA, was detectable in fecal samples.
  • · Fecal-oral transmission can last even after a patent has recovered from the virus.
 
Commenting on the research, Peter Hotez, MD, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that many of the patients in China later were diagnosed with COVID-19 "were [first] admitted to surgical wards and thought to have abdominal emergencies."
 
This is further indication that the virus may follow the fecal-oral route, according to Bob Robinson, Sr., CEO, and Founder of Kaivac.  
 
"This means we must focus more of our cleaning efforts to stop the spread of this infection in restrooms. That's the only way to break this cycle of transmission."
 
Additionally, Robinson recommends the following:
 
·      If manually cleaning restroom fixtures, remind cleaning workers of the two-step process: first clean surfaces then disinfect.
 
·      Should the disinfectant dry on a surface, it must be re-applied.
 
·      Cleaning cloths and mops should be changed frequently, "after cleaning each restroom… do not re-use them, place them in a plastic bag to be laundered later."
 
·      If using no-touch cleaning systems, select a concentrated no-rinse, hospital-use disinfectant; the two-step process is not necessary using the no-touch cleaning method, which should further speedup restroom cleaning.
 
"Also, cleaning professionals must realize there has never been a time in our history when proper and effective cleaning is needed more," adds Robinson. "This is our time to prove our value and the value of clean."
 
For more information, contact Kaivac Global Head Quarters at www.kaivac.com


March 23, 2020


Topic Area: Press Release


Recent Posts

Seeking Standards for Microbial Loads in Healthcare Facilities

Why is there no binding standard for the acceptable microbial load on surfaces or in the air in hospitals?


UCR Health Unveils Plans for Major Expansion

The vision for the site will include an outpatient diagnostic center and possible future expansion.


High-Performance Windows Support Safety at UW Medicine's New Behavioral Health Center

Case study: Engineered for strength, quiet and daylight, the chosen windows help create a safe, calming and energy-efficient environment for patients and providers.


Central Maine Healthcare Dealing with IT System Outage

The organization identified unusual activity within their computer software, prompting them to secure and shut off all IT systems.


Kaiser Permanente Opens Newly Expanded Everett Medical Center

The facility offers primary care and pediatric care and has specialty care departments.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.