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Canine Influenza

Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus caused by Influenza A H3N8. This virus does not affect humans, but can be spread between dogs. Canine influenza is spread through the air, touching contaminated surfaces, or by humans moving between infected and un

EV-D68 Update: Prevention & Infection Control

Enteroviruses are common viruses that usually cause mild symptoms, such as the common cold. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is an enterovirus that reportedly infected children in 49 states in 2014, causing hospitalization in many cases. EV-D68 causes respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, co
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Infection Control: Bloodborne Pathogens

A bloodborne pathogen refers to a germ that is spread through contact with contaminated blood and other body fluids and that causes disease in humans. The most common bloodborne pathogens are HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). Bloodborne pathogen infections are of the great

Hand Washing: Proper Hand Washing Techniques

Do you have proper hand washing techniques? Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. A study conducted by the Michigan State University indicated that about 5% of people properly washed their hands long enough to eliminate infection-caus
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CRE: Facts, Infection, & Prevention

Enterobacteriaceae are a group of bacteria that include Salmonella, E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter. These kinds of bacteria often can live inside the body as a normal part of the intestines. However, when they become resistant to certain antibiotics, they can cause serious infe
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MRSA Infection & Disease

Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that causes common skin infections. Typically, it is easily treated with antibiotics. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a strain of bacteria that has developed resistance to many of the common antibiotics used to treat

Choosing The Right Disinfectant

A clean looking surface doesn’t necessarily mean it’s actually “clean”. For areas where disinfectants are regularly used, such as in the food service industry or hospitals, proper disinfectant choice is imperative. Choosing the right disinfectant is important because it can optimize d
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Norovirus Infection Control

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through contact with an infected person, an infected object, or through the air. It can also be spread through bodily fluids. Because Norovirus is so contagious, infection control procedures are essential to containing an outbr

Norovirus: Facts & Prevention

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, more commonly known as the stomach flu. Its symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Norovirus is spread through direct contact with a contaminated person, object, surface, or eating contaminated food. Th

Measles: Facts, Prevention, & Control Measures

Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the measles virus. Measles can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces, then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth. The measles virus can survive on a surface or in the a