A majority of Americans are immune to swine flu

WASHINGTON DC— Swine flu no longer represents a major threat to the U.S. population, because most people are immune to the virus that caused last season's pandemic, according to USA Today.

Researchers believe that, of the 310 million people in the USA, 59 percent are now believed to be immune to pandemic H1N1 flu, the article noted.

According to the article, approximately 62 million people were vaccinated against the virus, 61 million people were infected by it and another 60 million people 57 or older carry protective antibodies against similar viruses that date back to previous pandemics.

"It's very unlikely that the virus will explode in the fall," says Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and an author of the analysis. "We now have evidence of that."

The evidence comes from studies on the 2009-2010 pandemic carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If this virus follows the pattern set by earlier flu bugs, it will either die out completely or continue to circulate in the ever-shrinking pool of people still susceptible to it, the article stated.

Click here to read the complete article.

Officials: Next wave of H1N1 on its way

WASHINGTON DC— Though reports of the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus have decreased steadily in recent weeks, health officials warn that another wave may be on the horizon just waiting to strike, according to the Gazette.

In America, roughly 80 million individuals have been infected with the H1N1 virus, resulting in approximately 360,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths, the story stated.

According to the story, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the pandemic has not waned, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a third wave may be making the rounds.

Marita Mike, health director at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, said: "It wouldn't be surprising to see another peak this year. When you look at flu outbreaks in the past, there were multiple peaks. The best time to get vaccinated is before everyone gets sick. We saw this flu start initially in the summer."

Continued education of the public, including promoting hand hygiene and thorough cleaning, is vital to control the virus' spread, the story noted.

Though many individuals and organizations have been proactive in preventing the virus, the WHO and the CDC warn against complacency and urge everyone to remain vigilant, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Spray Nine disinfectant receives H1N1 kill claim from EPA

JOHNSTOWN, NY — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and accepted independent lab testing submitted by Spray Nine Corporation for Spray Nine Cleaner/Disinfectant's efficacy against the pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to a press release.

According to the release, with the second wave of the H1N1 flu on the decline, experts predict that a third wave may hit early in 2010.

The product was proven to disinfect against the virus with a 30 second contact time, a claim now added to their EPA Master Label, the release stated.

This new disinfecting claim heads up a long list of germs killed by Spray Nine Cleaner/Disinfectant including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Hepatitis B and C, norovirus and more, the release added.

Health officials note decline in infection rates

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials said that H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus infections appear to be on the wane nationally, even as the number of American children dying from the illness continues to rise, according to the HealthDay Reporter.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest report, "visits to doctors for influenza-like illness nationally decreased sharply this week over last week with all regions showing declines, though deaths continue to be higher than expected for this time of year."

The decline in cases means that 32 states are now reporting widespread flu activity, down from 43 states the previous week, marking a four-week decline in reported cases nationally, the story stated.

Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the CDC, said: "We are seeing an increase in serious pneumococcal infections around the country. Pandemics put us at risk for not just flu problems, but also bacterial pneumonia problems."

Many doctors say the declining trend of infected persons is typical with the pattern observed when the seasonal flu vaccine is administered to more and more individuals, the story noted.

The CDC's latest report follows news that the ongoing pandemic may be driving a spike in dangerous pneumonias among younger patients, 234 of whom have died since April, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Public transportation is one step ahead of the swine flu

ATLANTA — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is relying not only on its employees, but also on its customers to help fight the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to WSB-AM.

According to the story, customers and employees are being asked to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommended precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including frequent handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

All MARTA buses, trains, mobility vans, bus stations and train stations receive a thorough cleaning each day with a disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the story stated.

MARTA receives regular updates from the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local health officials, adjusting their plans according to the guidance received, the story noted.

Currently, there are no transportation-related restrictions connected to the worldwide swine flu pandemic and federal officials have confirmed that, at this time, public transportation is no more or less safe than any other public place, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

A closer look at H1N1 reports

As was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 15, 2009, the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus has been detected in 206 countries, accounting for roughly 6,770 deaths — a conservative estimate.

Though some experts claim the pandemic has reached its zenith, with over 526,000 confirmed cases and counting worldwide, it remains vital that building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house professionals stay abreast of this highly contagious — but realistically beatable — foe.

According to a recent WHO report, "Influenza transmission continues to intensify in Canada without a clear peak in activity. The influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate, which has been highest among children aged 5-19, continues to significantly exceed mean rates observed over the past 12 influenza seasons. In the United States, influenza transmission remains active and geographically widespread, although disease activity appears to have recently peaked in most areas except in the Northeastern states."

The same report provided the following information about infection rates in Eurasian nations: "In Europe, widespread and increasing transmission of pandemic influenza virus was observed across much of the continent, but the most intense circulation of virus occurred in Northern, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. In East Asia, influenza transmission remains active."

The WHO goes on to note that in tropical zone of the Americas and Asia, the intensity of influenza transmission is variable, and in the temperate region of the southern hemisphere, little pandemic influenza activity has been reported.

What Does It All Mean?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in an effort to help the populace better understand the figures, releases a weekly report called FluView that analyzes data to paint a clear and concise picture of the current situation.

Some of the CDC's recommendations for remaining healthy during the H1N1 pandemic include:

§ Washing your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are easily spread this way

§ Avoid close contact with sick people; if you become sick, remain home until at least 24 hours after flu-like symptoms cease

§ Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive for two to eight hours on surfaces and still have the ability to infect humans and animals.

Because of this, the CDC recommends using a hospital-grade disinfectant to frequently clean contaminated surfaces.

The Future Of The Formidable Flu

According to the WHO, mutations of H1N1 have been detected in Norway, Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Ukraine and the United States.

While the prospect of a mutation of an already-mutated flu virus is alarming, cleaning professionals can rest assured that the same techniques employed to eradicate the common flu virus and its H1N1 spinoff — frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, proper hand washing and promoting general hygiene practices — are effective in the fight against the new strain.

As news of this continuously developing situation is constantly updated, we strongly encourage you to frequent cmmonline.com, cdc.gov and who.int for the latest H1N1-related information.

Survey reveals industry feelings about H1N1

In yesterday's CM e-News Daily^™ Special Report, they shared swine flu basics and several industry resources to consider as you aim to protect your facility from an H1N1 influenza A outbreak.

In today's lead feature, they would like to disclose survey results.

The staff of Cleaning & Maintenance Management^® recently conducted an online survey to tap industry professionals about current swine flu news and experiences.

Over 650 people responded to this survey and we would like to thank each one for taking the time to discuss this important topic.

The Results Are In

Below is a breakdown of who participated in this survey and what type of facility they represent.

· Contract cleaner — 33 percent

· Health care facility/nursing home — 17 percent

· K-12 school — 16 percent

· College or university — 14 percent

· Office/government building — 8 percent

· Industrial/manufacturing facility — 8 percent

· Hospitality — 3 percent

· Airport — 1 percent.

The first question we asked in our online survey was: Has H1N1 news made you change your cleaning focus?

According to the majority of respondents — 63 percent — the answer was, "Yes."

Call To Action

When asked, "What are you doing different to safeguard against and prepare for such potential pandemics?," the answers were diverse and informative.

Below are several actual, edited responses from that survey:

· We put hand sanitizers throughout the plant. We are concentrating on more cleaning of touch-type surfaces. We've put posters up to promote washing of hands, covering coughs, etc.

· Training staff on how and were to use disinfectant cleaners and, most importantly, training on proper hand washing.

· Focusing on using "clean" cleaning towels daily and "clean" mop heads. More laundry. Using only hospital-grade germicidal in "all" areas of building with special attention to door knobs and push plates.

· Through U.S. government information, we have gone to a more thorough and more widespread decontamination style of cleaning. This is sold to customers on a case-by-case basis. We try to instill in our contacts the importance of a co-mingled effort with prevention along with commonsense practices and establish our company as the knowledgeable provider of hand and door sanitizers.

· More time spent on prevention.

· The focus has changed only in the sense that we have to caution the uninformed who overreact and want to hit everything with a sodium hypochlorite or bleach product. It's unnecessary, ill-advised and poses distinct respiratory problems. An ordinary hospital-approved disinfectant — generally a quaternary ammonium product — works very well. H1N1 should not trigger extraordinary response. Routine and appropriate daily cleaning and disinfection is not simply adequate, but ideal.

· Increased frequencies of ceiling-to-floor cleaning from once annually to quarterly. Also, installed alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers at all restrooms, mailrooms and conference rooms. We made alcohol-based hand sanitizer pump bottles available in all office suites.

· Committee has been set up to determine best practices, such as keyboard cleaning, fitness center equipment cleaning, etc.

H1N1 mutations reported in the United States

WASHINGTON — After the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed last week that an H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus mutation had been discovered in Ukraine and Norway, fears quickly rose that a similar mutation could occur in the United States, according to the Atlanta Alternative Spirituality Examiner.

Recent reports that swine flu mutations have been reported in the states of Iowa and North Carolina have done little to quell these fears, the story stated.

According to the story, news of Tami flu-resistant swine flu in the state of North Carolina is raising questions about the ability to combat the pandemic.

Dr. Gregory Schmunk, Santa Clara County Medical Examiner, said: "[We have noticed] very heavy, wet hemorrhagic lungs, lungs with a lot of blood in them [in patients with the mutated virus]."

Many experts say the current virus mutation is strikingly similar to the 1918 "Spanish flu," which caused similar hemorrhaging and, in extreme cases, bleeding from the ears and skin, the story noted.

According to reports, the swine flu mutation involves a receptor binding domain change and is causing the virus to become more dangerous, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

CDC estimates a threefold increase in overall cases

ATLANTA — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 22 million people in the United States have already been infected with the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, and that number could easily increase to more than 34 million, according to the Willits News.

According to the story, the CDC believes that while the reporting methods it uses results in a significant underreporting of the number of those afflicted, it is the best method it has to monitor the rapidly changing situation.

The CDC estimates that between April 2009 and October 2009, there were about 79 unreported cases for every reported swine flu case and roughly 2.7 actual cases for every hospitalized case of the virus, the story stated.

Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), said: "Even though we saw a little bit of a decrease this week, it is still higher than the peak activity in many years. We can't predict exactly what's going to happen over the weeks or months ahead. Influenza season typically goes from December to May. Nothing is typical about this year's influenza. We may have weeks and months of a lot of disease ahead of us. Our expectation is that the next several weeks will be busy ones as people increase traveling over the holidays, we may see a mixing of people around the country."

Using the latest available figures and more realistic statistics, an estimated 10 percent of the United States population will fall ill with the swine flu and 6 percent of those hospitalized will die, the story noted.

The statistical methods used to review past data cannot be used to precisely predict the future course of the pandemic, making it extremely difficult to speculate and offer accurate estimates, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

EPA warns of products with unsubstantiated H1N1 kill claims

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning consumers to beware of manufacturers who may market ineffective and unregistered products or services that claim to disinfect surfaces or entire rooms against the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to a press release.

According to the release, similar to the way the green and sustainable movements led to "greenwashing," so too has swine flu hysteria bred false kill claims of some products and services.

The EPA registers disinfectants for use on hard surfaces, and when used according to label directions, such products will be effective against influenza A viruses, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain, the release stated.

Steve Owens, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, said: "Unfortunately, some vendors may try to take advantage of people's fears at a time like this and market products that aren't effective or make unsubstantiated claims. Americans need to be aware of what they may be buying."

There are no products registered by the EPA for use in residential settings that will disinfect or sterilize the air or a room by fogging; claims for disinfecting carpeting, drapes and other porous surfaces are also unsubstantiated, the release noted.

The public is encouraged to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations for preventing the spread of the swine flu virus, which stresses frequent handwashing with soap and water and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, the release added.

To view a list of more than 500 EPA-registered antimicrobial products, click here.

Click here to read the complete release.

A chronological H1N1 timeline

In just a few months, the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus went from virtually unknown to an omnipresent topic in the headlines of newspapers worldwide.

News of the highly contagious ailment spread nearly as quickly as the virus' transmission.

As part of our CM e-News Daily^™ Special Report, we want to provide you with as much information about the virus as possible because knowledge is power — and power gives you an advantage in keeping your facility clean and its occupants safe and, more importantly, healthy.

The following is a chronological list of major H1N1 developments:

§ March 28, 2009: First reported case of swine flu in Mexico

§ April 13, 2009: First reported swine-flu related death

§ April 17, 2009: First H1N1 cases reported in the United States

§ April 21, 2009: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns populace of a new flu strain

§ April 25, 2009: St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York, has more than 100 students reporting flu-like symptoms

§ April 26, 2009: A public health emergency is declared in the United States

§ May 8, 2009: The number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States reaches 2,000

§ May 11, 2009: CDC says H1N1 is spreading so quickly that they will stop reporting individual cases

§ May 20, 2009: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 10,000 confirmed swine flu cases worldwide

§ June 11, 2009: WHO declares a swine flu pandemic, the first global flu pandemic in 41 years

§ August 27, 2009: As students return to dormitories, colleges and universities note spikes in confirmed cases

§ September 11, 2009: CDC notes confirmed swine flu cases in all 50 states

§ September 15, 2009: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a new H1N1 vaccine

§ October 5, 2009: High-risk groups begin receiving the inoculation

§ October 24, 2009: President Barack Obama declares H1N1 a national emergency

§ November 13, 2009: WHO reports more than 6,250 swine flu deaths worldwide, with more than 4,500 coming from the United States

§ November 8, 2009: First confirmed swine flu-related death of a domesticated animal.

In the eight months since four-year-old Edgar Hernandez, who was the first confirmed case, opened the world's eyes to the newest biological threat, numerous developments have changed swine flu from a non-existent ailment to common conversational fodder at the water cooler.

By better understanding the severity of this threat — how quickly it spreads, its ability to kill and who is susceptible — we can better prepare against and conquer it.

Disney ups H1N1 prevention efforts

ORLANDO, FL — In an effort to minimize the spread of the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, Walt Disney World and Disneyland have installed numerous hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the theme parks, according to the Associated Press.

More than 60 dispensers have been strategically placed in hotel lobbies, character meet-and-greet areas and other venues at the highly frequented parks, the story stated.

Disney has also placed signage throughout the parks reminding patrons to frequently wash their hands, cover their mouths when they cough and other general hygiene reminders, the story noted.

These precautions are the most visible steps taken by Disney since the H1N1 outbreak struck the United States last spring, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article

Procter & Gamble Professional™ bolsters H1N1 program

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble Professional™ recently announced that it has bolstered its novel H1N1 customer program in response to heightened swine flu indicators, according to a press release.

Procter & Gamble Professional customers can access a comprehensive toolkit at www.pgpro.com with H1N1 information and links, as well as both Procter & Gamble products and procedures designed to help reduce the spread of viruses, the release stated.

Individuals can attend a special Procter & Gamble Professional webinar on "Addressing the Threat of the H1N1 Virus" October 21, 2009, featuring relevant information from an epidemiologist and a product safety and regulatory affairs specialist, the release noted.

Ann Fetzer, director of Procter & Gamble Professional product supply North America, said: "In light of elevated concerns by health officials, we are working closely with our customers to meet their product demands and need for information. In addition to ramping up our disinfectant production, Procter & Gamble Professional offers online sanitation programs customized to foodservice, hospitality and building, cleaning and maintenance customers."

Especially as of late, increased emphasis has been placed on the need for routine and repeated cleaning of commonly touched surfaces, including out-of-home environments frequented by the public, the release added.

Hand sanitizing program launched at Morehouse College

GAINESVILLE, GA - Hygafem Inc. recently launched its hand sanitizing program at Morehouse College in Atlanta, according to an article on Business Wire.

The touch-free hand sanitizing program will decrease the risk of spreading disease, ensure safe and healthy facilities and boost satisfaction for students and employees at Morehouse College, the release stated.

Curtis Davis, director of facilities for Morehouse College, said, "We chose Hygafem's touch-free hand hygiene program to provide our students and employees with powerful infection protection against threats, such as the H1N1 virus, throughout our buildings. Touch-free hand sanitizing is a valuable addition to Morehouse College's hand hygiene program, designed to decrease student and employee sickness and downtime."

Click here to read the complete article.

School has no money to purchase basic cleaning supplies

SANIKILUAQ, NT, Canada — The Sanikiluaq District Education Authority is severely underfunded to the point where there aren't enough resources to purchase basic cleaning supplies, according to the Nunatsiaq News.

According to the story, students at Nuiyak School were washing their hands with Sunlight, a popular dishwashing detergent, because the local school committee ran out of money earlier in the month.

The shortfall comes at a time when Nunavut schools are supposed to do more to increase cleanliness and develop action plans to deal with absenteeism caused by sickness among staff and students, the story stated.

To ease the crisis, the Government of Nunavut gave Sanikiluaq's District Education Authority $38,000 earlier this month and began an investigation into why their money disappeared, the story noted.

Peter Geikie, Nunavut's deputy minister of education, said: "As to why they are in this situation, we’re not sure. It’s not our intent to close our schools. The recommendation is out there but that’s not where we want to go."

There are plans in place to help Nuiyak and other Nunavut schools get ready for a possible H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) outbreak by sending antibacterial hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Courtroom closed for disinfection after H1N1 scare

CLEVELAND, OH — The Cuyahoga County Courthouse was closed for disinfection after a woman wearing a surgical mask appeared at a hearing claiming to be carrying the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to The Plain Dealer.

Within minutes of the plaintiff's proclamation, the courthouse cleaning crew was called in and signs were put up on doors around the courtroom on the 17^th floor, saying: "Courtroom is being disinfected," and "Do not use computer, phone or desk. Swine flu scare," the story stated.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob Reid said: "If there is a situation where we believe there is any infectious disease, we'll call central services, the maintenance personnel for county offices. That's the protocol we've had in the 90 days I've been in office."

Matt Carroll, the director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, said disinfecting the courtroom is not something they would recommend because it does not provide meaningful protection against the spread of the illness, and instead stressed that the best prevention is for people to wash their hands frequently and avoid people who appear to be ill, the story noted.

According to the story, about five years ago, a person spit in a courtroom; officials had the room disinfected then as well.

This incident appears to be the first time a county office was closed because of fears related to the H1N1 virus, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

NY's Cornell University reports swine flu outbreak

As of 9/8/09 the total number of students diagnosed by Gannett Health Services with probable H1N1 influenza has increased to 291. On 9/4/09 reports show 140 students with probable cases of the H1N1 virus.

Swine flu hits University of Virginia

at the University of Virginia, the health service had diagnosed 27 students with flu by Thursday. That stunned Dr. James Turner, director of Virginia’s Department of Student Health, who has spent 25 years tending to students on college campuses. “I’ve never seen a flu season ever in September,’’ said Turner, who is also president of the American College Health Association. “I use the word ‘explosive’ to describe it. I don’t recall flu that appears and spreads so rapidly.’’

University of Maryland more than 250 possible swine flu cases

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 -

Less than two weeks into the semester, more than 250 students at the University of Maryland, College Park, have come down with flu-like symptoms, and university officials are working to combat what could be the spread of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.

As of Wednesday, 256 students had visited the university's health center with swine flu symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat and runny nose since the first day of classes on Aug. 31, according to university spokesman Neil Tickner.

Janitor dies after contracting H1N1 virus

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A janitor at Albuquerque International Sunport, the largest commercial airport in the state of New Mexico, died after contracting the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to KOB-TV.
Katie Francia, who suffered from emphysema, was in and out of a coma for the past few weeks before passing around 5 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2009, the story stated.
It remains unclear where Francia contracted the virus, and although no other employees at the Sunport have shown flu-like symptoms, it remains possible that she fell ill while performing her janitorial tasks, the story noted.
Dan Jiron, a spokesman for the Sunport, said: "No one can be certain where she may have contracted this. We feel confident it was not here at the Sunport."
According to the story, since the outbreak first struck in April, the Sunport has posted signs asking people to cover their cough and have installed hand sanitizer stations around the airport.
Sunport officials are asking passengers with flu-like symptoms to avoid flying and are urging employees to stay home if there is a possibility they might be sick, the story added.
Click here to read the complete article.