An inpatient mental health unit is experiencing a cluster of norovirus cases. What action should the IP recommend?

• A. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• B. Relocate all patients to another unit
• C. Close the unit to visitors
• D. Increase air exchanges in rooms

Answer: (A)

Controlling a norovirus cluster hinges on interrupting transmission through the environment. Norovirus is extremely contagious and can spread easily via hands, contaminated surfaces, and objects, with the virus able to remain infectious on surfaces for days. Because of this, the most effective immediate action is frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces using an EPA-approved product proven to combat norovirus, following the correct contact time. This reduces environmental contamination on items like bed rails, door handles, bedside tables, shared equipment, bathrooms, and areas where vomiting or diarrhea occurred. In addition to cleaning, reinforce hand hygiene with soap and water, apply appropriate contact precautions, and promptly clean up spills with proper PPE and disinfectant. While other measures such as limiting visitors or moving patients might seem helpful in broader outbreak management, they don’t address the main transmission route as directly as rigorous environmental cleaning.