by Rebecca Walker — July 14, 2010—Ecolab Inc. has launched its first ready-to-use (no mixing required) hard surface disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be effective against Clostridium difficile spores.
Clostridium difficile is a highly drug-resistant bacterium that causes diarrhea and severe lower intestinal inflammation, and can be life-threatening. It is very difficult to clean and can remain on hard surfaces for months, says Ecolab.
Over the past few years the incidence of Clostridium difficile has been on the rise in healthcare settings, with studies showing it affecting more than 7,000 patients in hospitals each day with an estimated cost of $18 million to $52 million.
The disinfectant, Virasept, works within ten minutes of application against Clostridium difficile spores and in four minutes or less for a broad spectrum of other pathogens, including MRSA, VRE, E. coli, HIV, Hepatitis B, Influenza A (H1N1), and Norovirus. Its patented, non-corrosive chemistry is formulated for daily cleaning of high-touch room surfaces such as hand rails, telephones, bathroom fixtures, sinks and tray tables without harming the equipment. Virasept cleans, disinfects and deodorizes in one-step, helping to reduce the need for inventory of multiple products.
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc. is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. For more information, see the Web site.
