The recent outbreak of staph infections in schools throughout the country is serving to bring to the spotlight the importance of routine, thorough cleaning and targeted disinfection of buildings where a large number of people constantly live, work or play. This includes schools, office buildings and hospitals. Researchers and health officials are going on the offensive and stressing to the public that bacteria and viruses such as salmonella, E. Coli, influenza and staph can be brought into the home and live on hard surfaces such as kitchen and bathroom counters, doorknobs and stair rails, it is important to clean and disinfect the home using the proper products as well.

Chris Cathcart, President of the Consumer Specialty Products Association said, "Hand washing is an important deterrent to disease transmission, but disinfecting cleaning products kill bacteria and viruses that soap and water alone will not."

Cathcart goes on to say, "Disinfectant products serve as an important part of a hygiene program for the home just as they do for institutions such as hospitals, restaurants and schools. Many people are considering using "green" alternatives to these tried and true cleaning products. Some public authorities, such as school districts, are even contemplating mandating their use. Studies have shown that the most commonly recommended alternatives are not effective against germs that cause disease."

Health officials are not the only ones reacting to the deadly outbreak of viral diseases. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) said Sunday he will introduce legislation next week to improve the prevention and treatment of infections, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

According to those close to the lawmaker the legislation would require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to formulate official guidelines on infection control for heath care facilities.

The guidelines would also require them to report infection rates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers hope the data would shed new light on health officials' knowledge of the types of infections and in what conditions they thrive. They also hope it gives additional information on what cleaning methods work better.

Researchers generally agree that disinfectant products can kill even antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. However real-life studies have confirmed that the use of disinfectant products does not contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance which is often associated with the frequent use of antibiotic drugs.

Consequently the use of disinfectant products plays an important role in public safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes the role that these products play in public health and recommends their use in disease prevention.