Inactivation of Norovirus Surrogates after Exposure to Atmospheric Ozone

Abstract

Human norovirus is the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis, especially in semiclosed settings such as daycares, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and on cruise ships. Outbreaks are often accompanied by contamination of environmental surfaces and commonly handled items. Surface disinfection of norovirus surrogates, feline calicivirus and murine norovirus, by 20 parts per million atmospheric ozone in a chamber maintaining 80% relative humidity was investigated. After treatment, neither virus could be detected on glass surfaces, but >5 log infectious virus was recovered from untreated controls. Ozone chambers used to decontaminate small, hand-contact items could be an important tool for controlling norovirus outbreaks.

Keywords:

• Ozone
• Norovirus
• Relative Humidity
• Surface Disinfection
• Murine Norovirus
• Feline Calicivirus