An unexplained death at a Russian plague research institute has prompted international scrutiny. The incident raises questions about laboratory safety, transparent reporting, and infection prevention preparedness while the cause remains unconfirmed.
|Articles|October 3, 2005
Alpet D2 Ready-to-Use Disinfectant Receives EPA Efficacy Claim Against Norovirus
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PENN VALLEY, Calif. -- Best Sanitizers, Inc. announced today that Alpet D2 Surface Disinfectant is the first ready-to-use disinfectant to receive an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efficacy claim against Norovirus. The claim against Norovirus is based on testing done with the surrogate feline calisivirus. Hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, cruise lines, schools, food service facilities and other industries now have access to a ready-to-use EPA registered product that is strong enough to kill norovirus but safe enough to use on babies toys.
When a Norovirus outbreak occurs, it is critical that proper disinfection is implemented in a rapid manner, in order to contain the spread of the illness. Alpet D2 is a ready-to-use, broad-spectrum disinfectant formulated with isopropyl alcohol and a four-chain quaternary compound. It has a surface-contact time of five minutes to disinfect. Alpet D2 is approved for use on food contact surfaces without a rinse, so it is one product that can be used in every area of a facility, including food service areas. The product is non-corrosive.
Norovirus gained notoriety with extensive media coverage of several cruise line outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks are also common in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, schools anywhere people are in close proximity to each other. In fact, it is estimated that Norovirus accounts for two-thirds of all acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in the United States.
The virus can be extremely contagious. It is spread through person to person contact or by contaminated food or water. Airborne transmission of Norovirus is also possible. As few as 100 viral particles are sufficient to cause infection in a human. One projectile vomiting incident can potentially contaminate the environment with 30 million viral particles. Proper hand hygiene and surface disinfection play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the illness.
Until now, the only alternatives to disinfecting Norovirus outbreak areas were products that had limitations and safety issues. Alpet D2 is ready when you need it. You dont have to worry about dilution mistakes or short efficacy life, said Hillard Witt, president of Best Sanitizers. Other products that have been used to disinfect Norovirus tend to be corrosive to common environmental materials such as brass, copper and aluminum, and they can also damage textiles. Once diluted, these other disinfectants are useable for approximately five days, while Alpet D2 is useable for two years.
Alpet D2 is available in quart sprayers, 5 gallon pails, and refillable wipes systems. The ready-to-use aspect of the product reduces the risk of dilution mistakes, product efficacy issues and personal injury associated with concentrated disinfectants. Best recommends that facilities susceptible to outbreaks store a Norovirus Readiness Kit which can includes two or more cases of Alpet D2 disinfectant, a hand sanitizer spray, gloves, masks, towels, aprons, wipes and disposable bags. The company also offers the Handy-San personal carrier, which includes a four-ounce bottle of Alpet D2 paired with a four-ounce bottle of Smart-San hand sanitizer spray in a portable pouch that can be attached to a belt.
Alpet D2 is sold through Bests distributor network in the U.S. and Canada.
Source: Best Sanitizers, Inc.
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