In addressing a norovirus outbreak on a patient unit, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces
• B. Increase visitor access
• C. Stop all cleaning
• D. Move patients to separate isolation rooms

Answer: (A)

Norovirus spreads quickly through contaminated surfaces, so the most effective immediate action on a patient unit is to reduce environmental contamination. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces—bedsides, door handles, call bells, bathroom fixtures, and shared equipment—significantly lowers the amount of virus present and helps interrupt transmission. Using an EPA-registered disinfectant proven effective against norovirus and following the product’s contact time ensures the cleaning actually deactivates the virus. While good hand hygiene and appropriate precautions are essential, focusing on environmental cleaning addresses the primary route of spread in an outbreak. Increasing visitor access would raise risk, stopping cleaning would allow the virus to persist, and moving patients to isolation rooms, though helpful, doesn’t tackle the broader contamination on the unit as quickly.