ST. PAUL, Minn., Jun 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ecolab Inc. today announced the launch of Virasept(TM), Ecolab's 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, which can be
life-threatening. It is very difficult to clean and can remain on hard
surfaces for months. 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.
"Environmental services departments continue to face increasingly more
virulent and persistent pathogens as they work to keep healthcare
facilities clean," said Paul B. Chaffin, vice president, Ecolab
Healthcare North America. "Developing effective methods to clean rooms
contaminated with Clostridium difficile is particularly
challenging due to the persistence of the spore in the environment.
Virasept is an effective, non-bleach alternative that can help reduce
the environmental transmission of challenging microorganisms like Clostridium
difficile." - 2 -
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.
For more information, visit www.ecolab.com/healthcare.
With sales of $6 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc.
(NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety
and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers
comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage
processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160
countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-P)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Jennifer Kirscher, 651-293-2846
Copyright Business Wire 2010