Cleaning for Infection Prevention
Cleaning plays a critical role in protecting human health by preventing transmission of an ever-growing array of harmful, and in some cases, deadly infectious diseases. Infections like the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19), Influenza A, Enterovirus D68, and Ebola, and other similar outbreaks provide the opportunity to educate customers and the public about the true value of cleaning as the first line of defense against the spread of infectious agents.
Outbreaks of Concern
- Coronavirus: Coronavirus (CoV) refers to a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. SARS-CoV-2, also known as 2019-nCoV, is a novel or new coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 that was first identified in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Learn more on how to prevent and control this deadly international threat.
- Influenza A: Influenza A is one of four influenza or “flu” viruses, but is the one that causes most cases of seasonal flu and the only influenza virus capable of causing a global flu pandemic. The virus is always changing and there is a growing spread of Influenza A viruses in the U.S., specifically strains that deviate from the original virus addressed in the annual flu vaccine.
ISSA’s official statement (PDF)
Infection prevention FAQ
Talking points for ISSA members
Every year, the common cold and flu have a major impact on human health and suffering, the global economy, and workplaces in general.
The Common Cold and Flu: Business Resources and Guidance - Ebola: Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is the severe, life-threatening disease caused by infection with an Ebola virus. Many people who contract EHF die will from it.
Ebola: Worker Protection and Appropriate Disinfectants - Enterovirus D68: Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses. This virus was first identified in California in 1962. The United States is currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of EV-D68 associated with severe respiratory illness.
Enterovirus: Precautionary Measures and Appropriate Disinfectants.
Quantifying the Value of Cleaning
- CDC: FluWorkLoss 1.0
- Coping with Workplace Illness
- ISSA Facility Cleaning & Disinfecting Checklist
- ISSA’s Value of Clean White Paper You must be an ISSA Paid Member to view this content
Featured Videos
- ISSA’s Value of Clean Infographic
- Cleaning Improves More Than the Bottom Line
- Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu from CDC
- The ABCs of the ISSA Clean Standard: K-12
