Nausea. Fever. Diarrhea.
Sounds like a case of the flu, right? Maybe. What you’re dealing with could be just a bad virus that will leave your system in just a few days or it could be the signs of something more serious; something like C. diff, a highly contagious top three superbug. For this reason, cleaning after C. diff is best left to professionals with the experience, chemicals, and equipment for cleaning areas impacted by superbugs and communicable diseases.
According to the CDC, C. diff is described as: “a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, known as colitis.” The bacterium is called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile, or C. diff), and as it grows, it releases toxins that attack the lining of the intestines, causing a condition called Clostridium difficile colitis. The CDC estimates that C. diff causes “almost half a million illnesses in the United States each year.” Cleaning after C. diff can be especially tricky because of how easily it can transfer from person to person.
Symptoms of the disease may be mild to severe and include fever, abdominal cramps, and prolonged diarrhea. Individuals are at greater risk of contracting C. diff if they:
Yes, C. diff is a communicable disease. C. diff is present in stool and can spread person to person or by way of contaminated environments if the infected environments are not properly disinfected. The spores can also live on surfaces for several months, which is why hiring professional C. diff cleaners is critical to the health of those in contact with the infected environment.
C. diff is found in feces and is transmitted by touch – if you come into contact with an infected surface, then touch your mouth or nose, the disease can enter your body through the mucous membranes. It can also be passed by touching an infected person, which is why it is so prevalent in healthcare settings and in places where sick people common gather. People with compromised immune systems, including the elderly, are at an increased risk of catching this illness.
C. diff is classified by the CDC as an “Urgent Threat,” due to its widespread nature and ease of transmission. One of the worst aspects of C. diff is its duration. Without proper medical care, the illness will last much longer than most flus, sometimes lasting weeks. Also, the intensity of the symptoms, especially diarrhea, can be dangerous, leading quickly to dehydration. Furthermore, C. diff is difficult to kill. The CDC warns that the C. diff bacteria is known to be resistant to several common antibiotics. Proper and professional treatment of both the individual and their surroundings is necessary in order to prevent the disease from spreading and impacting others.
When you get sick, you go to the doctor. But what do you do if your home is also affected?
If you or someone you love becomes infected with the C. diff bacteria, your first instinct will be to ensure the patient receives proper medical care. Following that, be sure to protect the rest of your home and prevent any reinfection, which is much harder to treat than the first infection, by having your home thoroughly cleaned by professional C. diff cleaners like Aftermath.
This precaution is especially important if the ailing person shares a bathroom with others, or if there are small children or elderly in the home. Even if surfaces like faucets and sinks appear clean, C. difficile can be incredibly resistant to household cleaners and disinfectants. A traditional house cleaning may not be enough to defeat the illness and you don’t want to risk your family’s health.
For cleaning after C. diff we adhere to OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen regulations and practice universal precautions to protect our employees and our customers.
Science-based C. diff cleaning process:
Aftermath Services has been cleaning homes and businesses affected by C. diff and other bacteria since 1996. Our offices are conveniently located nationwide, and teams of trained technicians are available 24/7 to see to your needs. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a C. diff cleaning contact us today.
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