Understanding the Risk of C diff. to our Aging Community
By now, everyone who is familiar with Bio-One of Tucson knows that we specialize in crime scene cleaning, hoarding remediation, mold mitigation, and general biohazard removal services. And yes, many times when working in these circumstances we do find it necessary to clean up blood, vomit, urine, and fecal matter. Some times this can be due to a traumatic event, but many times we are called out to assist to clean up messes that come from a medical issue.
It is said that the aging population of Tucson is the third-oldest population of all metro in the nation (PCOA, 2019). With one in four adults over the age of 60 we find ourselves as a community with a great resource of knowledge and experience in our older population. However, as we age we often find that our bodies may not always cooperate with us as they had in the past. Therefore the immune systems of our older generation may be more susceptible to contract bacterial or viral infections if proper precautions are not taken. One of the lesser known bacteria contagions is known as C. diff (Clostridiodes difficile) a bacteria germ that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon (CDC, 2020). This bacteria infection can result in severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms alone can sometimes be mistaken for a common upset stomach, but for our older population that may have mobility issues, and can not get to a rest room quickly this can quickly progress to a much more serious issue.
Spores from C. diff bacteria are passed in feces and spread by touch of food, surfaces, and objects when people who are infected do not wash their hands. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months and if you touch a surface unknowingly infected with C. diff you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. The CDC reports, "that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 diagnosed with healthcare associated C. diff infection die within 1 month" (CDC, 2020). Washing your hands and showering frequently can help to reduce the risk of exposure to C. diff however, if spores have already been released in the home due to an individuals inability to get to the restroom the risk of exposure for C. diff is high.
Due to the highly contagious nature of C. diff it is imperative that all fecal matter accidents be remediated immediately and with the proper precaution. At Bio-One of Tucson we have top-of-the-line chemicals, tools, and personal protective equipment capable of disinfecting the entire home quickly and effectively. Because C. diff is a bacterium transmitted by touch, many people are under the false impression that a home can be disinfectd simply by wiping hard surfaces with a bleach mixture. That may work for some surfaces, but we use high quality chemicals specifically designed to kill this bacteria, as well as a chemical fogging machine that reaches all the hard to reach surfaces in the home where bacteria may be hiding. This method is incredibly effective and allows our clients to return home to a fully disinfectd environment. If you, or someone you love, may be at risk of contracting C. diff due to fecal matter issues please contact Bio-One of Tucson at 520-771-5960 or www.bioonetucson.com for professional assistance in keeping your home healthy.
