Quantitative microbial risk assessment of human norovirus infection in environmental service workers due to healthcare-associated fomites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Healthcare-associated norovirus outbreaks place a large burden on healthcare staff. Environmental service workers (ESWs), however, remain understudied despite high contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Understanding the magnitude of the risk of norovirus infection in healthcare ESWs can protect workers and improve infection control.

Aim

This study simulated the risk of norovirus infection for unprotected ESWs after a single fomite contact, assuming no disinfection or protective equipment, in norovirus-positive patient rooms. In addition, the risk of secondary surface transmission from norovirus-exposed ESWs was simulated.

Methods

A quantitative microbial risk assessment employing two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation with parameters extracted fro

SUBMITTER: Overbey KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8978295 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature