Cleaning & Disinfecting 101

Adenovirus

Germ Type: Virus

Adenovirus typically causes respiratory illness, although it can also cause illness like conjunctivitis (eye infection), diarrhea (especially in babies), or rashes. It often causes respiratory illness in children. Symptoms can range from cold-like symptoms to pneumonia, bronchitis and croup. At-risk audiences are especially susceptible to contracting adenovirus.

• Spread via: Hand-to-hand contact, touching contaminated surfaces, airborne droplets.
• Prevention: You can help prevent the spread of adenovirus through frequent/thorough handwashing, surface cleaning and disinfection, and covering your cough/sneeze.

Campylobacter

Germ Type: Bacteria

This foodborne pathogen is a common cause of bacterial diarrhea illness in the Canada. Symptoms can include diarrhea (often bloody), cramping, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The illness typically lasts one week, and although most patients recover with no necessary treatment, it can be life-threatening to persons with compromised immune systems.

• Spread via: Eating raw or undercooked poultry meat, or from cross-contamination of other foods by these items. Also found in unpasteurized milk and contaminated water.
• Prevention: Practise safe food handling practices, including proper handwashing before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom. Don't consume unpasteurized milk or untreated water. Cook all poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F /74°C. Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by cleaning items used for preparation immediately after they touch raw meat, and disinfecting and rinsing preparation surfaces and utensils frequently.

Read more about Safe Food Preparation to prevent foodborne illness.

Clostridium

Germ Type: Bacteria

There are three common types of Clostridium bacteria that cause illness.

Clostridium difficile: Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain/tenderness; can lead to more serious conditions such as colitis. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. The elderly, hospitalized patients and people who have illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics are at greatest risk of acquiring this disease.

• Spread via: Touching surfaces that have been contaminated by fecal matter.
• Prevention: If you have C. difficile, practise proper handwashing after using the restroom and before eating, and thoroughly clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces to avoid spreading it to at-risk patients. Disinfect with a 1-10 solution of chlorine bleach.

Clostridium botulinum: Produces a toxin that causes a rare but potentially fatal disease characterized by paralysis. There are three main kinds of botulism: foodborne, wound, and infant.

• Caused by: Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin (usually as a result of contaminated home-canned food). Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from an infected wound, and infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. The spores may be found in soil and certain foods (such as honey and some corn syrups).
• Prevention: Follow strict hygienic procedures to reduce contamination of foods when home canning; your local health unit and Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/kitchen-cuisine/food-canning-conserve-aliment-eng.php) can provide instructions. Wound botulism can be prevented by promptly seeking medical care for infected wounds and by not using injection street drugs. Never give honey to a child under the age of one year.

Clostridium perfringens: The third-most-common cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and possible nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious for those in an at-risk group.

• Contracted via: Eating undercooked meat and poultry that sat at room temperature.
• <Prevention: Cook meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures; refrigerate food within 2 hours.

Coronavirus

Germ Type: Virus

Coronaviruses infect humans and a variety of animals. Most human coronaviruses cause upper respiratory tract infections and cause a significant percentage of colds. Coronavirus infections occur in winter and early spring.

• Spread via: Airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes can be inhaled or land on surfaces, where they can be transferred if you touch the surface and touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Prevention: To prevent spread of disease, those with cold-like symptoms should cover their coughs and sneezes, wash hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and avoid kissing. Potentially contaminated surfaces (such as countertops and doorknobs) should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). People affected by SARS develop a fever, followed by respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In some cases, the symptoms become increasingly severe, and patients may require oxygen support and mechanical help to breathe. Other symptoms of SARS may include muscle aches, headaches, sore throat and diarrhea. SARS is spread through close contact with someone who is infected with the SARS coronavirus. Examples of close contact include living in the same household, providing care to someone with SARS, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of someone affected by SARS. At the moment, there is no vaccine or cure for SARS.

SARS appeared first in China and then spread to other countries. The first Canadian cases were identified in March 2003 in people who had traveled to Hong Kong and returned to Canada. Subsequent cases in Canada were traced to the first cases through close contacts, including health care workers, or to other travelers who had been in areas of Asia affected by SARS.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Germ Type: Virus

Congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is a common congenital (present at birth) infection in Canada. CMV is in the family of viruses that include herpes simplex and varicella-zoster (chicken pox) viruses. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life; however, most people who are infected with CMV have no signs or symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen glands; however, these symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, so most people are not aware that they are infected with CMV.

CMV can cause disease in unborn babies and in people with a weakened immune system. Most babies born with CMV never develop symptoms or disabilities. When babies do have symptoms, some can go away but others can be permanent.

• Spread via: In some cases, spread through person-to-person contact (such as via kissing or through bodily fluids); passed from mother to unborn baby; transferred to a child via breast milk of an infected woman, or blood transfusion/transplant. Children are most like to have CMV in their urine or saliva.
• Prevention: Women who are pregnant (or planning a pregnancy) should practice frequent handwashing and avoid contact with saliva or urine of young children. Babies born with CMV (but without symptoms) should have regular precautionary vision and hearing tests.

Dermatophytes (Ringworm and Tinea)

Germ Type: Fungus

Dermatophytes causes common skin, hair and nail infections, including ringworm and tinea. These infections can affect the skin on almost any area of the body, such as the scalp, legs, arms, feet, or groin. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, scaling, or cracking of the skin. A ring with irregular borders and a clear central area can also occur; hair loss can occur with scalp infections. Two common tinea infections are tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch).

Dermatophyte infections typically occur on moist areas or folds of the skin, and can also contaminate items in the environment, such as clothing, towels and bedding. It's possible for a dermatophyte infection to become infected by bacteria. Ringworm is easily spread between children, and is also a common infection for animals such as farm animals, dogs, cats, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

• Spread via: Direct contact with an infected person or animal; or indirect contact with a contaminated surface such as a damp towel. Ringworm can be contracted through close contact with from domestic animals.
• Prevention: Regular handwashing can prevent the spread of dermatophyte infection. Also avoid sharing hairbrushes, hats, towels, and articles of clothing that may come into contact with infected areas. Pets with signs of skin disease should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Escherichia Coli (E.coli)

Germ type: bacteria

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a foodborne bacteria that can produce a deadly toxin. Most strains of E. coli are found in human intestines; they aid in digestion and create vitamin K. However, there are certain strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, that can cause serious illness.

Symptoms can include severe abdominal cramps, bloody (sometimes, non-bloody) diarrhea, and nausea. E. coli O157:H7 can also cause sometimes-fatal kidney damage in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

• Contracted via: Meat, especially undercooked or raw hamburger; uncooked produce; unpasteurized milk or juice; and contaminated water (for example, a swimming pool contaminated by a dirty diaper). Can also be transmitted via person-to-person contact.
• Prevention: Wash hands thoroughly after toileting or changing a diaper or being in touch with farm or zoo animals. Thoroughly clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils after they have held raw meat. Cook meat to safe internal temperatures (visit Health Canada’s “Safe Food Handling in the Home" page at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/kitchen-cuisine/interact/home-maison-eng.php for recommendations), and do not consume unpasteurized milk, fruit juice or ciders. Avoid swallowing water in public pools, kiddie pools, or community lakes, ponds or streams.

Giardia

Germ type: Parasite

Giardiasis is cause by Giardia intestinalis, also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis, which is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. It is very contagious, and is a common cause of waterborne disease in Canada, and can survive in water for months. Symptoms can include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and greasy stools that float. Symptoms can lead to dehydration or weight loss.

Although giardia can infect anyone, young children, especially those in child-care settings, and pregnant women might be more susceptible to dehydration and should drink plenty of fluids while ill. The infection can be treated with prescription medication

• Spread via: Contaminated surfaces (bathroom surfaces, changing tables, diaper pails or toys); contaminated drinking water or ice (from shallow lakes and streams or poorly maintained wells); swallowing water in swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or other recreational bodies of water; contaminated raw food; person-to-person contact.
• Prevention: Practise thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Do not swim in recreational water while you have diarrhea and for one week after it stops, and avoid fecal/rectal contact with an infected person. Do not drink untreated water (or ice made from it). Shower with soap and water before entering a pool or other recreational water, and protect these waters by taking children on frequent potty breaks and changing diapers away from the swimming area.

Hepatitis A, B and C

Germ Type: Virus

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are a family of contagious viruses that affect the liver.

• Hepatitis A does not result in chronic disease. It is spread by person-to-person contact or through contaminated food or water. In some countries, hepatitis A is spread via contaminated water and food; in Canada, chlorination kills any virus that enters the water supply. Hepatitis A usually improves without treatment; people with Hepatitis A should check with a health professional before taking any medication or dietary supplements as these can potentially damage the liver. Alcohol should be avoided. Prevention: Frequent handwashing after using the bathroom and before handling food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A; this is especially important for those infected with the virus (or caring for someone who is). Hepatitis A virus can survive for weeks on surfaces like countertops, bathroom tiles and plastic toys, so disinfection of the environment is important to stop the spread of the virus. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the vaccine for Canadian travellers to countries where sanitary conditions are poor and hepatitis A is common, for people who live in areas where hepatitis A outbreaks occur, and for high-risk children 1 year of age or older. But some provinces or territories may recommend the vaccine for high-risk children age 6 months and older. (Ask your healthcare provider whether you or your children are at risk.)
• Hepatitis B can cause acute serious illness, and lead to chronic/lifelong infection, scarring (cirrhosis), liver disease or death. It is spread via puncture or mucous-membrane contact with blood or body fluid of an infected person, or can be passed from mother to child during birth. Prevention: The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for some infants and others at risk. Contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or items that could contain them (such as razors, toothbrushes or syringes) should be avoided. Hands should be washed anytime there is contact with body fluids to help prevent the spread of this virus.
• Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. It can cause chronic infection leading to cirrhosis, liver disease, or death. It often has no symptoms. It is spread via contact with blood of an infected person, typically through the sharing of syringes or other injection equipment. Prevention: The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis C is to avoid the sharing of syringes. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 & 2

Germ type: virus

Herpes simplex viruses include type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 infection is more likely to cause genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease. While HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, it is more likely to cause causes infections of the mouth and lips (sometimes referred to as "fever blisters").

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Germ type: virus

There are many types of HPV infections. Among children, it's common for the HPV virus to cause warts. While they can be found anywhere, they are especially common around cuts, scratches and bitten fingernails. Warts are very contagious. Some go away on their own; if they are bothersome or painful, they can be treated by your healthcare provider.

• Spread via: Surface-to-hand contact, such as touching a towel or table that was touched by someone with a wart.
• Prevention: Handwashing can help prevent the spread of common warts in children. Have your child pay particular attention to cuts and skin irritation when washing. In addition, clean and disinfect commonly-touched surfaces frequently. To limit exposure to plantar warts (on the bottom of the feet), encourage your child to wear beach shoes or flip flops when visiting public pools or showers.

Other types of HPV include low-risk HPV infections that can cause genital warts, or high-risk HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer. For more on genital HPV, visit www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/hpv-vph/hpv-vph-vaccine-eng.php

Influenza

Germ type: virus

Influenza ("the flu") is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract. Symptoms can include fever (usually high), headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness. A runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and cough are also common, which is why the flu is sometimes confused with the common cold (rhinovirus). Once infected, a person may be able to spread the virus one day before his/her own symptoms begin, before knowing he/she is sick.

Some people are at high risk for serious flu complications such as the elderly, young children and those with certain health conditions including pregnancy. These complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus or ear infections.

• Spread via: Droplets released by coughing or sneezing. These can be inhaled, or they can spread by landing on surfaces and being touched by a person who then touches his/her own eyes, nose or mouth. Influenza virus can live on surfaces for several days.
• Prevention: Prevent the spread of flu by washing hands thoroughly and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, and kitchen appliance handles. Try to avoid others who are sick, and avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. A healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise and proper rest can also protect you from the flu. If you are sick: stay home and cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading the flu to others.

For more on Seasonal, H1N1/Swine Flu and Avian Flu/H5N1, visit Cold & Flu..

Listeria monocytogenes

Germ type: bacteria

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a foodborne illness that can cause serious illness the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Unlike most foodborne bacteria, listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle, aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and loss of balance. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn. Listeriosis in pregnant women or newborn babies may be treated with antibiotics.

• Spread via: Consuming refrigerated, ready-to-eat food including hotdogs and deli meat that are contaminated; cross-contamination of surfaces, including dishcloths and sponges, through contact with contaminated foods. Pregnant women can unknowingly pass listeriosis to their unborn babies
• Prevention: Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods. Keep raw meat separated from vegetables and ready-to-eat foods. Cook meat to safe internal temperatures, wash vegetables thoroughly. Clean up spills in the refrigerator immediately and disinfect regularly. Avoid unpasteurized milk products. Consume ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible. If you are pregnant or in another at-risk group, do not eat unpasteurized cheese, pates or smoked seafood; eat hot dogs and deli meat only if reheated until steaming hot.

Mold & Mildew

Germ type: Fungus

Molds are microscopic fungi that grow in "colonies"; mildew is often used to describe "mold growth" or mold in its early stages and consists not only of molds, but bacteria and yeasts also. Many molds are beneficial — such as those used in food production (like aged cheese) or those that are the source of penicillin. However, the mold that can be found in many places throughout your home — from damp bathrooms to food in your refrigerator — can cause a variety of problems. Mold can damage/destroy the surface it is growing on... and it can cause allergies that are often severe.

• Spread via: Moist conditions. Some mold on food can produce toxins that cause foodborne illness. Mold reproduces by producing airborne spores that land on other surfaces and grow; mold can begin to grown on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. Mold is found both indoors and outdoors, and spores can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold can also be carried in on clothing, shoes, bags, and pets, and grow in areas where there has been flooding.
• Prevention: Provide adequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room. Keep home humidity level between 40%-60%, and fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes right away. Thoroughly clean and dry within 24 to 48 hours if flooding has occurred. Clean and disinfect bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly. To prevent mold on food: clean the inside of your refrigerator with hot, soapy water, and disinfect regularly. Keep food covered and refrigerate within 2 hours. In the case of mold on food, discard. People with mold allergies, lung illness or a compromised immune system should avoid exposure.

See also: Healthy Homes/Reducing Mold and Mildew and Allergies..

Noroviruses (Norwalk-like calcivirus)

Germ Type: Virus

Noroviruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) are germs that can affect the stomach and intestines. They cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation that is sometimes called calcivirus, food poisoning or "stomach flu," even though it is not always foodborne nor is it related to the flu. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people, are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, headache, and fever. In general, vomiting is more common in adults, and diarrhea is more common in children.

The virus is able to survive relatively high levels of chlorine and varying temperatures. Noroviruses can survive on practically any surface including door handles, sinks, railings and glassware. On hard surfaces, they have been found to survive for up to 12 hours; on contaminated carpet, noroviruses can survive for up to 12 days.

• Spread via: food, contaminated surfaces such as door handles or countertops, and airborne droplets due to vomiting. Common food sources include raw shellfish, prepared salads, baked goods, and contaminated water and ice as well as people with the infection. Norovirus is very contagious and can spread rapidly through group settings like daycares and nursing homes.
• Prevention: Handwashing and surface cleaning/disinfection are critical in preventing the spread of norovirus. Wash hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before eating or preparing food. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid raw seafood, especially oysters. Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately, and flush any vomit/stool in the toilet. If you are ill with norovirus, do not prepare food until 2 to 3 days after the illness is gone. There is no vaccine or medication to treat norovirus.

Parinfluenza Virus

Germ Type: Virus

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are second to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young children. Similar to RSV, HPIVs can cause repeated infections throughout life, usually manifested by an upper respiratory tract illness (e.g., a cold and/or sore throat). HPIVs can also cause serious lower respiratory tract disease with repeat infection (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis), especially among the elderly, and among patients with compromised immune systems.

There are four distinct subtypes of parainfluenza virus. HPIV-1 is the leading cause of croup in children, whereas HPIV-2 is less frequently detected. Both HPIV-1 and -2 can cause other upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses. HPIV-3 is more often associated with bronchiolitis and pneumonia. HPIV-4 is infrequently detected, possibly because it is less likely to cause severe disease. The incubation period for HPIVs is generally from 1 to 7 days.

• Spread via: Respiratory secretions through close contact with infected persons or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Infection can occur when infectious material contacts mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose, and possibly through the inhalation of droplets generated by a sneeze or cough.
• Prevention: There is no vaccine for parainfluenza virus. Frequent handwashing and not sharing items such as cups, glasses, and utensils with an infected person should decrease the spread of virus to others. Commonly touched surfaces should be disinfected regularly.

Pseudomonas

Germ Type: Bacteria

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of infections commonly known as "hot tub rash" (Pseudomonas dermatitis) and "swimmer's ear" (Otitis externa). It is commonly found in water and soil. Hot tub rash can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include itchy spots that become a red rash, rash in areas that were covered by a swimsuit, and pus-filled blisters around hair follicles. Hot tub rash usually goes away by itself. Swimmer's ear is more common in children and young adults. Symptoms include itchiness inside the ear, pain when the ear is tugged, and pus draining from the ear.

• Spread via: Contaminated water that comes in contact with skin for a long time (hot tub rash) or stays in contact with the ear (swimmer's ear) via swimming pools, hot tubs, fountains, water play areas, and rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
• Prevention: Hot tub rash — remove your swimsuit and take a shower with soap after getting out of the water; clean your swimsuit. Swimmer's Ear — dry ears after swimming (a few drops of alcohol-based ear drops can help). Avoid putting foreign objects in the ear, and do not swim in areas that have been closed due to pollution.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Germ Type: Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and breathing passages. It's a common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, a decrease in appetite, and sometimes wheezing; in very young babies, symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and difficulty breathing.

Almost everyone is infected by RSV by the age of 2, but most people don't develop the disease. Premature babies, children under 2 with a heart or lung illness, and children with a weakened immune system are most at risk for a severe disease; older adults are also at greater risk. Typically, RSV season is November through April.

• Spread via: Airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes can be inhaled or land on surfaces, where they can be transferred if you touch the surface and touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Also spread by direct contact with nasal or oral secretions, such as by kissing the face of an infected child.
• Prevention: There is no vaccine for RSV. To prevent spread of disease, those with cold-like symptoms should cover their coughs and sneezes, wash hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and avoid kissing. Potentially contaminated surfaces (such as countertops and doorknobs) should be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Those who have cold-like symptoms should also avoid contact with the children who are in the highest risk group and wash hands frequently if interacting with them. Ideally, children at high risk should spend less time in daycare or other group settings during RSV season.

Rhinovirus

Germ Type: Virus

There are 99 different types of rhinoviruses — the germs that cause the "common cold." Symptoms usually include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing; sometimes but rarely, a cold causes mild fever and body aches.

• Spread via: Direct contact with someone who has a cold, or touching a surface that was touched by a sick person, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Can also be spread via airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.
• Prevention: Practice frequent and thorough handwashing (use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available). Clean/disinfect frequently touched household surfaces often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold. If you have a cold, prevent its spread by covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue (throw it in the trash when you are done) or coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, and washing your hands.

For more on the common cold, see Colds & Flu..

Rotavirus

Germ type: Virus

Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children. According to NACI, the projections of the Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Cohort Model indicate that by the age of 5 one child in seven will have sought health care, one child in 20 will have visited an emergency department or have been hospitalized, and one child in 62 will have been hospitalized due to RV gastroenteritis in Canada. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea often followed by vomiting, abdominal pain, fever. Subsequent dehydration is very common.

• Spread via: Touching contaminated hands or a surface or object that has been touched by someone with the virus, then touching your mouth or nose.
• Prevention: Practise frequent and thorough handwashing (use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available). Clean/disinfect frequently touched household surfaces often. There is a vaccine available for rotavirus.

Salmonella (Enteritidis and Typhimurium)

Germ type: Bacteria

Salmonella cause the salmonellosis infection. There are 2,000 types of salmonella bacteria; most live in the intestinal tracks of animals or birds. Salmonella has been a known source of foodborne illness for over 100 years. Salmonella Enteritidis is commonly known for its ability to infect unhatched eggs (passed on by the mother hen); Salmonella Typhimurium is a virulent strain that is resistant to many antibiotics.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Although most people recover without treatment, symptoms can be very severe for those in at-risk groups, and can require hospitalization. In these at-risk patients — including elderly, young babies and those with impaired/suppressed immune systems — the infection can spread to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, and must be treated with antibiotiocs.

• Spread via: Eating raw or undercooked poultry, meat or eggs; eating contaminated dairy products or produce. Salmonella can also be spread through cross contamination from hands, utensils and food preparation surfaces. For example: if raw chicken that is contaminated with Salmonella is prepared on a cutting board, and then the same cutting board is used to cut up vegetables for a salad, the bacteria from the chicken contaminate the salad.
• Prevention: Cook poultry, ground beef and eggs to safe internal temperatures, especially when cooking for at-risk people. (Visit Health Canada’s “Safe Food Handling in the Home" page at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/kitchen-cuisine/interact/home-maison-eng.php for recommendations.) Wash hands and clean and sanitize preparation surfaces and utensils immediately after contact with raw meat, poultry or eggs.

Shigella

Germ type: bacteria

Shigella is a group of bacteria that cause shigellosis. Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. The illness often goes away without requiring treatment, although children under 2 are at risk for high fever and/or seizures.

Because shigellosis can become resistant to antibiotics, these drugs are often used only to treat severe cases. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine can make symptoms worse. Shigellosis is very contagious and can infect entire communities or childcare setting. It is common to be infected and pass along the illness without experiencing symptoms. Children aged 2 to 4 years are most likely to contract shigellosis.

• Spread via: Person-to-person contact and touching of infected surfaces; swallowing water that has become infected.
• Prevention: Diligent handwashing with soap and water, especially for children, can help prevent the spread of shigellosis. Food preparation surfaces should be cleaned and routinely disinfected, and an infected person should not prepare food while ill. Hands should be thoroughly washed after using the bathroom and before swimming. If a child is infected, diapers should be disposed of carefully in a closed-lid trashcan, and both the child’s and the caregiver’s hands should be washed immediately after changing. Diapering surfaces should be disinfected and rinsed after changing.

Staphylococcus (Aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus/MRSA)

Germ Type: bacteria

Staphylococcus can cause diseases familiarly known as "staph infections." Non-MRSA staph is typically treated with antibiotics such as methicillin. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to most antibiotics, including methicillin; it can cause skin infections as well as other infections like pneumonia. Symptoms of a staph infection include red, swollen bumps or infected areas on the skin that are warm to the touch and contain pus, along with a fever. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most often among patients with weakened immune systems in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and clinics).

MRSA infections that are contracted by healthy people who have not recently been hospitalized or had a medical procedure are called Community-Associated (CA-MRSA). These can be skin infections (such as pus-filled lesions) and like typical MRSA can lead to other illnesses like pneumonia.

• Spread via: Skin-to-skin contact or touching a surface or personal item that has been touched by an infected person. Often carried on the hands of healthcare workers.
• Prevention: Frequent and thorough handwashing are critical in preventing the spread of staph infections, including MRSA. This is especially important in healthcare settings. Surfaces that have been touched by an infected person should be cleaned and disinfected.

Streptococcal Disease: Groups A & B

Germ type: bacteria

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are often found in the throat and on the skin. GAS can cause such illnesses such as "strep throat" or impetigo (a skin infection), although in many cases, people carry the bacteria and have no symptoms. If these bacteria get into other parts of the body — such as muscle, bloodstream or lungs — they can cause serious infection. Strep throat is often treated with an antibiotic; a healthcare provider will determine if antibiotics are necessary for a GAS infection.

GAS:

• Spread via: Droplets that become airborne after coughing/sneezing and land on surfaces.
• Prevention: GAS can be prevented through proper handwashing, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating or preparing food. Someone ill with strep throat should stay home until 24 hours after finishing his/her antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection. All wounds should be kept clean.

Group B Strep

Group B Streptococcus (group B strep) causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, like liver disease or diabetes. It is a common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns, including pneumonia and blood or brain infections. Symptoms in an infant can begin within a few hours of birth ("early onset"), or up to several months after birth ("late onset"). A pregnant woman may have a bladder infection caused by group B strep.

• Spread via: Group B strep can be passed by an infected mother to her an infant during delivery.
• Prevention: Most early-onset group B strep in infants can be prevented by giving intravenous antibiotics to the mother during labour. Pregnant women should be screened late in the third trimester to see if they carry group B strep.

Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium and Multi-Drug Resistant)

Germ Type: Bacteria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) can infect the lungs and cause tuberculosis. Symptoms sometimes don't occur for many months; often, the first symptom may be a cough. Other symptoms might include loss of appetite/energy, fever, or night sweats. MTB can spread to other parts of the body, such as the spine, kidney, bladder or brain, especially in those with a weakened immune system. In children, it can affect the bones. If left untreated, serious conditions may occur. Treatment for MTB can last for six to nine months.

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can arise when patients do not complete a full course of antibiotics or do not take the medication according to instructions. As a result, the strain of tuberculosis can become resistant to two or more typical medications, and is classified as MDR-TB, requiring a more complicated and lengthy treatment process.

• Spread via: Tuberculosis is spread in airborne bacteria via sneezing, coughing, speaking or singing. It is not spread through hand-to-hand or hand-to-surface contact. In some cases, MTB can remain dormant after exposure, if a person's body is able to fight off the bacteria.
• Prevention: Those who think they may have been exposed to MTB should contact a healthcare provider to be diagnosed. This can help prevent the spread of MTB to those who are at high risk of developing active tuberculosis disease. If you are travelling, avoid long-term/close contact with tuberculosis patients in crowded environments such as health clinics. If you have MTB, it is important to prevent MDR-TB by carefully following the medication instructions given to you by your healthcare provider.