Disinfection Service

Hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis virus, leading to acute or chronic liver damage, which can result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. There are five main strains of the virus: A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (HDV), and E (HEV), each differing in transmission methods and geographic prevalence.

Hepatitis A is particularly notable for its fecal-oral transmission route and lack of a chronic form. Infections can occur sporadically or in large-scale outbreaks, affecting entire towns or regions. The most common transmission occurs through contaminated water or poor hygiene practices when an infected person handles food. The virus can survive for long periods in the environment and even contaminate processed food.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, but highly effective vaccines are available. If liver failure is not present, treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive.

Sewage-contaminated environments pose a high infection risk. In the event of flooding involving sewage water, mandatory disinfection is required to eliminate the risk of hepatitis A transmission.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch’s bacillus). It is transmitted through airborne droplets from individuals with an active form of the disease, primarily affecting the lungs.

Tuberculosis bacteria are highly resistant to external conditions and can remain viable for months or even years. The risk of infection depends on the intensity and duration of contact with an infected person.

To prevent the spread of infection, both ongoing and terminal disinfection are necessary in spaces where a TB patient has lived. Ongoing disinfection should be performed regularly using mechanical, physical, and chemical methods to minimize bacterial spread. Terminal disinfection is mandatory in cases of hospitalization, relocation, death, or deregistration of the patient. It is also required before a newborn returns home if a TB patient resides there and annually in households with children under 14 or non-hospitalized patients.

Professional tuberculosis disinfection ensures a safe and sanitary environment, preventing further spread of the disease.

Canine distemper (Canine Distemper Virus, CDV) is an extremely dangerous viral disease, closely related to the measles virus, with a mortality rate of up to 50%. The virus spreads through airborne droplets, eye and nasal discharge, feces, and skin flakes from infected animals. A recovered animal remains a carrier for up to three months, and humans can also spread the virus. Simply visiting a home where a sick pet lives can be fatal for unvaccinated animals.

The virus remains viable for several months at low temperatures. If a pet has died from distemper in an apartment, it is crucial not to bring in another animal immediately. In addition to terminal disinfection, it is necessary to dispose of contaminated items such as toys, bedding, and bowls. A two-month quarantine should be observed, followed by preventive disinfection to eliminate any remaining viral particles.

Canine Infectious Hepatitis (CIH) is a viral disease caused by canine adenoviruses. There are two types: Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) and Type 2 (CAV-2). Type 1 spreads through the digestive and respiratory systems via contact with infected animals, virus carriers, or recovered dogs that still shed the virus. The disease begins as viral tonsillitis, eventually entering the bloodstream and lymph nodes, where it attacks the liver, kidneys, and intestines.

The virus is highly resistant to environmental factors and ultraviolet radiation. It can remain viable for 10–12 weeks at room temperature and several years when frozen. If a dog is infected, it is crucial to isolate it from healthy animals and disinfect the area where the infected dog stayed, including food bowls, toys, and bedding.

In the event of the animal’s death, thorough terminal disinfection must be performed, followed by a quarantine period before introducing a new dog into the home.

The term “lichen” (or ringworm in some cases) refers to a group of skin diseases of various origins, including viral, fungal, virus-allergic, autoimmune, and idiopathic conditions. Viral types include shingles and pink lichen, while fungal infections include pityriasis (tinea versicolor), scaly lichen, and ringworm. Some forms, such as weeping, scaly, and lichen planus, are non-infectious or have an unclear etiology.

The most contagious and dangerous types of infectious lichen are trichophytosis (a highly contagious fungal infection) and microsporia (superficial ringworm), which were previously both classified as ringworm. While viral lichen is caused by persistent viruses such as herpes or smallpox, which remain in the body indefinitely, fungal lichen requires thorough disinfection to prevent infection of other household members.

Fungal spores can remain viable for 7–12 years, making terminal disinfection essential in preventing reinfection. Without proper treatment and sanitation, chronic fungal lichen can lead to serious complications, including brain cell damage, bone deterioration, and permanent hair loss. Professional ringworm disinfection is necessary to eliminate spores and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease closely related to canine parvovirus. Unlike canine distemper, which does not affect cats, panleukopenia primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe symptoms. Young cats are especially vulnerable, with a 50% mortality rate. In acute cases, the disease progresses rapidly, often leading to death within 2–3 days, as treatment is rarely effective.

The primary mode of transmission is indirect contact. The virus is extremely resistant to environmental factors and can survive for long periods, posing a risk even to indoor unvaccinated cats.

Due to its high resistance, oxygen-based disinfectants are commonly used for decontamination. However, since parvoviruses are among the most resilient viruses, even after thorough disinfection, only vaccinated and quarantined animals should be introduced into previously contaminated spaces.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is an extremely dangerous and highly contagious intestinal infection with a mortality rate of up to 90% if left untreated. The virus can lead to the death of an infected animal within 24 hours of the first clinical symptoms appearing.

In addition to direct transmission through feces (as little as 1 gram can contain up to 1 million infectious doses), the virus spreads through contaminated clothing, footwear, soil, and grass. It is highly resistant to environmental conditions and can remain viable for up to a year in soil.

Even with mandatory disinfection, the virus may persist in a viable form, posing a continued risk to unprotected animals. If an environment has been exposed to parvovirus, new animals should not be introduced until they have been fully vaccinated to prevent infection.

Scabies is a common parasitic skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which spreads through direct skin contact with an infected person or via contaminated household items. Typically, an infected person carries around a dozen mites that burrow into the skin, lay eggs, and produce offspring. Their proteins and waste products trigger allergic itching, causing intense discomfort.

In individuals with weakened immune systems, the number of mites can reach tens of thousands, leading to a severe and highly contagious form of the disease known as crusted scabies (Norwegian scabies). This condition is characterized by thick skin crusts containing large mite colonies and poses a higher infection risk.

Scabies presents two major dangers: immune suppression caused by the parasite and persistent itching, which leads to deep ulcers, secondary infections, abscesses, and even sepsis. Proper environmental disinfection is crucial to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.