The whole world is currently fighting a pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. It is not easy to struggle with the disease, where we constantly observe new symptoms, and the pathogen that causes it is extremely resistant and has the ability to constantly mutate. In this case, for our lives and health, it is very important to fight the pathogenic agent and effectively prevent the spread of it.
Disinfection plays the biggest role here. However, for it to fulfil its role, the key seems to be a reliable answer to these questions: How does COVID-19 infect? What are real possible transmission routes for this dangerous pathogen? Is coronavirus transmitted only via droplets (airborne disease)?
A team of scientists working in cooperation with the Military Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing, examined various surface and air samples from the intensive care unit and the general department at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, where patients infected with COVID-19 virus were present. Preliminary results of the study, conducted by Chinese scientists, were published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases– a journal of the United States federal government agency – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[1] The study results were controversial enough to spark a discussion about new transmission routes for coronavirus.
These test results have conclusively shown that the most concentrated disease outbreaks of COVID-19 virus accumulated on the floors of hospital wards. 94% of swabs confirmed the presence of coronavirus on floor surfaces. It was also confirmed that coronavirus could be carried on the soles of shoes. Over half of the tests performed on samples collected from the shoe soles of the ICU medical staff gave a positive result.
Scientists also examined the so-called aerosol transmission consisting of measuring the suspension time of tiny droplets containing the virus. In the case of COVID-19 transmission, they are so fine that they remain suspended in the air for several hours. New tests of air samples obtained from hospital wards with COVID-19 patients have shown that the virus can spread up to four meters. This is twice the distance that, according to current WHO guidelines, people should keep between each other in public places. The authors of the published study, however, claim that the small amounts of virus they found at a further distance are not necessarily contagious. A high level of virus concentration has also been found on frequently touched surfaces such as bed rails, door knobs, computer mice and litter bins.
However, the researchers confirmed that none of the hospital staff were infected, “indicating that appropriate precautions can effectively prevent infection” – they wrote.
Researchers in Beijing point out in their research the great importance of prevention in the fight against coronavirus. In the publication, they confirmed that none of the staff at the Wuhan Hospital had been infected, indicating that “appropriate precautions can effectively prevent infection”.
Diseases caused by viruses similar to COVID-19 pose a huge threat to us because we do not know them. In the quest to develop vaccines and effective drugs, researchers are still studying the symptoms of the disease, the specificity and properties of the virus, and transmission routes. Today, it is important for each of us to follow the current recommendations of physicians and experts representing organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Currently, effective disinfection is key to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible thanks to special preparations for washing and disinfecting both hands and all kinds of surfaces and public utilities, where large gatherings of people occur.
PCC Group has a whole range of effective disinfectants in its offer. Products that are new on the market are Rokopol Anti Virus and Rokopol Anti Virus X. These preparations are a mixture of sodium hypochlorite and phosphonates, characterized by effective disinfecting properties, designed for disinfecting various types of surfaces. Sodium hypochlorite is a disinfectant recommended by WHO for use during the coronavirus pandemic, but also to fight other infectious pathogens. Rokopol Anti Virus and Rokopol Anti Virus X contain active chlorine and they have virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They are used to disinfect public places such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, transportation stops, sidewalks, streets, schools, offices, warehouses and more.
Disinfection is the only effective weapon in coronavirus prevention. Let’s remember about it every day. Let’s protect ourselves, our families, friends and colleagues. Let’s remember about our co-workers and neighbours. Let’s take care of the staff and patients of hospitals, urban and rural residents. Such protection is needed everywhere. Working together, we can achieve better results in the uneven fight against a pandemic.
Bibliography:
[1] Zhen-Dong Guo1, Zhong-Yi Wang1, Shou-Feng Zhang1, Xiao Li, Lin Li, Chao Li, Yan Cui, Rui-Bin Fu, Yun-Zhu Dong, Xiang-Yang Chi, Meng-Yao Zhang, Kun Liu, Cheng Cao, Bin Liu, Ke Zhang, Yu-Wei GaoComments to Author , Bing LuComments to Author , and Wei Chen, Aerosol and Surface Distribution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Hospital Wards, Wuhan, China, 2020 (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/7/20-0885_article)
