How can we be proactive in preventing Norovirus outbreaks in schools?

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Viruses are something we have become far too familiar with since the outbreak of Coronavirus back in 2019, and hygiene has become a priority for us all, particularly in schools. Norovirus is still the most infectious virus known to infect humans, so prevention is of utmost importance. Virologists say as few as ten virus particles are sufficient to induce clinical disease. School teams know what an outbreak looks like, smells like and feels like, overcoming any need to describe it here.

The first point to consider is that there are over 20 strains of Norovirus, so any single outbreak in a school can be followed by 19 more without any of the previously developed immunity providing any protection. If you have the conditions for one outbreak, you can look forward to more. Norovirus outbreaks mean disruption, unpleasant symptoms for all concerned, added costs in the school budget and a whole lot of misery. 

The second point relates to Norovirus being a very difficult virus to inactivate with disinfectants. Overcoming outbreaks means negative impact on the environment through the decontamination chemicals used, and the plastic packaging for those chemicals. 

As things stand, school management teams have a choice. They can expect regular Norovirus outbreaks or implement NewGenne’s very cost effective procedures; the ones already used by Norfolk schools. In those schools there has been an absolute absence of Norovirus outbreaks for years. 

How can NewGenne achieve such astounding results in preventing Norovirus outbreaks in schools, when large suppliers of hygiene products continue to fail? 

One of the main reasons is that NewGenne’s CEO did his PhD in this virus type, and learned how to keep the virus particle numbers below that required for disease. To save space here, let’s reduce his PhD thesis to just one sentence…

In disease there is art and science and the art lies in knowing when to use the science.

Throwing powerful disinfectants at Norovirus is associated with repeat outbreaks; the art is missing in that approach. The art required is to be found in the ‘little and often’ and ‘minimalism’ arenas. 

If you want to know more, please talk to the school teams who have been without an outbreak for over a decade. If you don’t know them, we will ask if you can have their details. The process to keep Norovirus contained took many years to develop and has since prevented Norovirus outbreaks for decades. NewGenne’s CEO is getting on a bit in age, and his contribution is often politely called ‘accumulated generational wisdom’. He enjoys sharing that wisdom with school students when that helps. 

In conclusion, avoiding Norovirus outbreaks enhances wellbeing and provides environmental gains. It’s also a lot cheaper than cleaning up the mess.