All articles tagged with #viral spread
Cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are increasing in the Philadelphia region, especially as children return to school, with older kids now also affected; the contagious virus spreads through droplets and contact, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and proper care.
A comprehensive review of 672 studies questions the effectiveness of air-cleaning technologies like HEPA filters and UV lights in reducing human infections of respiratory viruses, highlighting that most research is lab-based and lacks real-world health outcome data, with concerns about potential harmful emissions from some devices.
Scientists are investigating how H5N1 avian flu spreads in dairy farms, with recent findings highlighting the roles of house flies in mechanical virus transfer and a potential route of infection through mouth-to-teat contact, which may explain initial mammary gland infections. Despite low detection levels in the US, ongoing research aims to better understand and control the virus's spread among animals and farms.
Researchers from the University of Arizona and Reckitt Benckiser found that closing the lid on a toilet does not prevent the spread of aerosolised germs, suggesting that regular disinfection of toilets is crucial to reduce contamination and prevent the spread of viruses. Their study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, tested viral particles in residential and public toilets, concluding that while a closed lid led to elevated contamination levels in certain areas, it did not significantly impact the spread of viral particles. The research emphasizes the importance of using disinfectants and scrub brushes to prevent the spread of viral pathogens in bathrooms.
A study by microbiologist Charles Gerba and his team at the University of Arizona found that whether you flush the toilet with the lid open or closed makes little difference in preventing the spread of viral particles. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, revealed that viral particles spread to the floor and nearby surfaces regardless of the lid position. The only effective way to reduce the spread of germs is to regularly disinfect the toilet, toilet water, and nearby surfaces. Other researchers suggest keeping the lid closed, routine use of disinfectants, hand washing, and avoiding handling personal items in the restroom to minimize exposure to germs.