Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus (formerly called swine flu) in the News

On Sunday, April 26, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency in an attempt to stop the spread of 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus (formerly called swine flu). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) website (http://www.who.int/topics/influenza/en/) are two reputable sources for up-to-date information on the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus.

What is swine flu?

Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness but have low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the latefall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

Is there more than one Influenza A virus?

Like all influenza viruses, Influenza A viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes), and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses, can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How is 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus spread?

According to the CDC, human transmission of flu occurs through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses. Guidance published by the CDC on April 24, 2009 for infection control in healthcare settings advises: disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management of "swine influenza." Additional guidance published on April 25, 2009 for infection control in the home recommends keeping "surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label."

Does Clean Control offer any products that are effective against 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus?

In response to the emerging threat posed by the spread of the 2009-H1N1 Flu, disinfecting hard surfaces is one way to help stop the spread of this virus. A list of over 500 antimicrobial products registered by EPA for use against influenza A viruses on hard surfaces is available at http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/influenza-disinfectants.html.

This list includes OdoBan Concentrate Gallon, OdoBan RTU and Germ Control24 Silver Formula; as each are labeled efficacious against Influenza A/Hong Kong.

The USEPA has determined that products that have demonstrated effectiveness against Influenza A/Hong Kong inactivate all influenza A viruses including Pandemic 2009 H1N1 (formerly called swine flu).

Clean Control has applied for approval of labeling for 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus through an expedited EPA Notification process. We anticipate approval in the near future.

EPA emphasizes the importance of following label instructions to ensure the safe and effective use of these products in specific sites, including hospitals and other health care settings, homes, schools, offices and farms. Registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc. EPA also emphasizes that these products are not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.

For more information about EPA-registered antimicrobial products, please visit EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/antimicrobials/.

Welcome to Clean Control Corporation

Clean Control Corporation is a premier manufacturer of high quality cleaning products, odor eliminators, disinfectants, sanitizers, deodorizers, stain removers, air fresheners and cleaning accessories.

Clean Control manufactures many cleaning solutions, including OdoBan Odor Eliminator, for Household/Retail, Commercial, Wholesale, Private Label, and Institutional & Industrial use.

Clean Control also offers an Earth Choice Line of products. Through partnership with the USEPA Design for the Environment (DfE) - Formulator Initiative, Clean Control Corporation has worked for the past several years to reformulate many of our products with a more positive environmental and human health profile. Our partnership also enables us to help companies implement an EPP cleaning products program.

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