Infectious Disease Containment
When an infectious disease outbreak is confirmed, a variety of containment measures need to be put in place to protect those in the immediate area and limit the spread of the contagion. In times like this, biohazard remediation is helpful, but it is not the sole solution to the problem. Instead, a variety of measures need to be employed.
Containment Strategies
In cases of infectious disease outbreak, containment strategies are split into two sections:
1. Control of Contacts: Individuals who have come into contact with infected persons or locations are closely monitored in quarantine or isolation. This tends to affect the first responders and family members of the infected party first but may extend to anyone who’s come into contact with the person within a certain time period.
2. Environmental Control: The environment which has been exposed to infection will be contained. Samples of the area may be taken to identify the contaminants and microorganisms present, then a biohazard clean up team will work to decontaminate the area. During this time, access to the area will be tightly restricted.
Isolation Vs. Quarantine
Both isolation and quarantine measures may be implemented during times of infectious disease outbreak. Isolation is used to separate those who have been confirmed to have the disease from those who are well. This helps to reduce the risk of new cases. Areas that have been exposed to contagious individuals may also be isolated from the rest of the location. This commonly happens in hospitals.
Many infectious diseases have a latency period where individuals have been infected, but show no obvious signs. Quarantine is needed to limit the movement of those that have been exposed to contagion until they are either confirmed as well or infected. In terms of spaces, certain areas may be quarantined until tests can confirm or deny a contamination risk.
The Importance of Infectious Disease Cleaning
Contaminated areas need to be cleaned as soon as it is safe to do so. Many biohazards such as spores and bacteria can multiply when left alone, thus increasing the risk and severity of the case. Also, locations like hospitals can often not keep the whole area closed off while operating effectively, especially in times when the scale of the outbreak is unknown.
Infectious disease cleaning requires the use of a variety of equipment, from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to chemicals needed to disinfect and sanitize areas. Safe removal of biohazards such as blood and other bodily fluids is also commonly required, as is the safe disposal of contaminated items such as textiles.
How Infectious Diseases Can be Contained by the General Public
While biohazard and infectious disease clean up needs to be handled by specialists, the general public can take steps to help contain the disease and prevent new cases. This can be done by:
Washing your hands and maintaining good sanitation
Vaccinations
Sensible use of antibiotics
Self-referential
Good food hygiene
Disinfecting your home
Limiting travel
Not sharing personal items
