New research from the University of Southampton shows that copper and copper alloys will rapidly destroy norovirus – the highly-infectious sickness bug.
The virus can be contracted from contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces, meaning surfaces made from copper could effectively shut down one avenue of infection.
Worldwide, norovirus is responsible for more than 267 million cases of acute gastroenteritis every year. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, and outbreaks regularly shut down hospital wards and care homes, requiring expensive deep-cleaning, incurring additional treatment costs and resulting in lost working days when staff are infected. Its impact is also felt beyond healthcare, with cruise ships and hotels suffering significant damage to their reputation when epidemics occur among guests.
Professor Bill Keevil, Chair in Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton and lead researcher, presented his work at the American Society for Microbiology‘s 2013 General Meeting last week. The presentation showed norovirus was rapidly destroyed on copper and its alloys, with those containing more than 60 per cent copper proving particularly effective. The contamination model used was designed to simulate fingertip-touch contamination of surfaces.
Professor Keevil from the University’s Institute for Life Sciences says: “Copper alloy surfaces can be employed in high-risk areas such as cruise ships and care homes, where norovirus outbreaks are hard to control because infected people can’t help but contaminate the environment with vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Latest Bing News on:
Copper destroys norovirus
- Norovirus Gastroenteritis in Immunocompromised Patientson May 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm
This review summarizes recent developments in norovirus research that are relevant to the prevention and management of norovirus gastroenteritis in immunocompromised patients. Noroviruses are ...
- Norovirus stomach bug spreads in Central Floridaon May 1, 2024 at 6:10 am
Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug known for spreading on cruise ships, appears to be spiking on dry land in Central Florida. The virus usually increases during winter and dies down around ...
- Norovirus Diagnosticson April 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Diagnostic tests may be useful in preventing or limiting the spread and duration of outbreaks, and are needed to define norovirus-associated morbidity and mortality. However, the interpretation of ...
- Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infectedon April 30, 2024 at 12:05 pm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating two seemingly separate outbreaks of Norovirus linked to US cruise ships. Cases have been linked to Princess Cruises’ Sapphire ...
- Quiz on Norovirus (Advance)on April 27, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Norovirus is a common viral infection. Though usually not life-threatening, the infection may result in serious consequences in some patients. See how much you know about this infection by taking ...
- Norovirus cases reported in San Diego County linked to frozen oysterson April 16, 2024 at 11:42 pm
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Eleven confirmed and probable cases of norovirus reported in San Diego County have been linked to frozen oysters, county health officials said Tuesday. According to a ...
- Ready for Norovirus 2024? The stomach bug is on the rise againon April 16, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea, is still spreading in the United States. Outbreaks surged this winter after the holidays, but cases of the nasty ...
- Norovirus, other stomach bugs persist on Long Island, doctors sayon April 16, 2024 at 11:49 am
While cases of the so-called stomach flu typically taper off around April, pediatricians are still seeing cases of norovirus and other similar illnesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
- Norovirus is spreading in Wisconsin this spring. Here's how to prevent getting sickon March 19, 2024 at 7:40 am
Outbreaks of norovirus cases are on the rise in Wisconsin this spring. Positive rates remains high at 12.4% for the week ending March 9. And during the last report through February 24, norovirus ...
- HilleVax: Takeda's Norovirus Vaccine Spinouton August 30, 2023 at 4:45 pm
HilleVax is developing a virus-like particle vaccine candidate, HIL-214, for norovirus-induced acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes a significant disease burden ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Copper destroys norovirus
[google_news title=”” keyword=”copper destroys norovirus” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Norovirus
- Taipei restaurants clear of norovirus and ready to openon May 7, 2024 at 9:00 am
Two Taipei restaurants have been cleared to resume operations after samples obtained from them showed no trace of norovirus, a virus found in some people who fell ill after dining at the two eateries ...
- Over 100 Tsinghua alumni fall ill after dinner gathering; 'norovirus infection the cause'on May 6, 2024 at 9:43 pm
Over 100 of Tsinghua alumni fell ill following an off-campus dinner gathering marking the university's anniversary, with the local disease prevention and control department attributing the cause to ...
- ‘She started vomiting’: Concerns grow as norovirus outbreak spreads rapidly within Vineland School Districton May 3, 2024 at 7:25 pm
According to the district, for the past two days, it has seen a higher volume of students out ill, and after speaking with Kern County Public Health, it was determined the absences were due to ...
- Norovirus stomach bug spreads in Central Floridaon May 1, 2024 at 10:10 am
Norovirus, a highly contagious illness associated with cruise ships, is popping up in Central Florida urgent care centers.
- How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptomson May 1, 2024 at 7:24 am
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, ...
- Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infectedon April 30, 2024 at 12:05 pm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating two seemingly separate outbreaks of Norovirus linked to US cruise ships. Cases have been linked to Princess Cruises’ Sapphire ...
- Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infectedon April 30, 2024 at 6:16 am
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched two investigations into reports of Norovirus infections linked to cruise ship voyages originating out of the United States.
- Nearly 200 people sick in norovirus outbreaks on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises shipson April 29, 2024 at 10:10 am
Nearly 200 people got sick in norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International ships.
- Nearly 200 sick in norovirus outbreaks on 2 cruises, including Tampa-based shipon April 29, 2024 at 9:11 am
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a norovirus outbreak on two cruise ships, including one that sailed out of Tampa.
- 'Nasty' norovirus on the rise in Canada: Symptoms to know and how to stay safe as contagious virus spreads at 'higher frequency'on April 29, 2024 at 8:35 am
Norovirus cases are rising unexpectedly across Canada, especially in provinces like Ontario and Alberta. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the surge in reported cases in 2024 ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Norovirus
[google_news title=”” keyword=”norovirus” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
