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A recent disease outbreak in an Atlanta hotel may have you re-evaluating your commercial cleaning strategy. CNN has reported that an estimated total of 66 people who stayed at the hotel have symptoms of Legionnaires disease. While the hotel remains closed, authorities continue to try to locate the source of the disease and perform cleaning of all areas of the hotel. While these types of disease outbreaks are not very common, when they occur, it can have devastating consequences on those who are affected. It is also a reminder to those who manage commercial businesses that pathogens can spread easily throughout facilities and that there are important key steps in preventing these types of incidents.
How to be proactive in preventing disease outbreaks
Identify where they are. Bacteria and fungi are organisms that can live and spread in a variety of locations, but it’s important to identify areas in your facility that are especially susceptible to bacteria like legionella. One common area is the HVAC system, especially the cooling towers where there is warm standing water, which is a perfect environment for the bacteria to multiply.
Perform routine testing. Water is a common area where bacteria thrive. Performing routine testing on the water supply can be a helpful way to detect problems before any symptoms arise. Figuring out which areas to test beforehand is a helpful first step.
Notice symptoms. While not all people who come into contact with legionella will end up with Legionnaires disease, it is important to recognize the symptoms when they do arise. Hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, medical offices should all be on the lookout since the elderly, babies, and those who have weakened immune systems are susceptible to becoming sick. Common signs of the disease are high fever, shortness of breath, headache, cough, and chest pain.
Have an action plan. If an outbreak happens, the last thing you want is to not have a pre-formed plan. Evacuating the facilities, shutting down the HVAC system, and contacting the proper authorities are all things to consider when creating your plan.
Put preventative measures in place. The best scenario for a disease outbreak is to prevent them in the first place. Having high-quality professional cleaning done on a regular basis will keep areas free of bacteria and other pathogens, keep all systems working well, and prevent health concerns for all visitors and employees working at your facility.
Hiring a commercial cleaning company like New England Cleaning Services, Inc. is your ultimate safety net and can greatly reduce the risks for health-related outbreaks like the one in Atlanta. Protect your facility from potential financial and structural damage and protect your visitors and staff from a variety of health risks. Businesses in the eastern Massachusetts area have been relying on New England Cleaning Services, Inc. to provide top quality commercial cleaning services, project services, and 24/7 emergency response and restorations for over 40 years. Contact our Waltham, MA at (781) 890-2000 for a free quote today!