Basel, Switzerland, 22 May 2013 – As human infections with a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus continue to be reported in China, Lonza is making information available about infection control.
Influenza A H7 viruses are a group of viruses that usually cause infections in birds; the H7N9 is a specific subgroup of these viruses which has been seen for the first time to cause infections in humans. Human infection with influenza A (H7N9) raises global health concerns. Experts have not determined why the virus is now able to infect humans, though it is deemed likely that a genetic adaptation has led to a new ability of the virus to bind not only to avian but also to mammalian cells. Authorities continue to investigate the route of transmission, which has not yet been identified.
In general, influenza viruses are enveloped, lipophilic viruses, which are sensitive to a wide variety of chemical disinfectants. Specifically adapted strains, like H7N9, may cause severe disease and might have a pandemic potential. However, due to a general susceptibility of influenza viruses to chemical disinfection, strategies are available to help prevent transmission and infection.
Basic and general hygiene procedures are recommended to reduce infection risk. A frequent and regular hand hygiene schedule is recommended by thorough washing or use of hand sanitizers, especially before and after food preparation, before eating, after toilet use and after handling animals or animal waste. See World Health Organization instruction.
Appropriate cleaning and disinfection strategies are recommended to help control the spread of bacteria and viruses, such as the H7N9 virus. Lonza offers formulations for use as hard surface disinfectant cleaners and for hand hygiene. Multiple Lonzagard® formulations have been tested against other Influenza A strains and have demonstrated full activity. Please visit www.lonza.com/surviving-influenza for information about Lonzagard® formulations available in your area.
Use products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
About Lonza Hygiene & Preservation business Lonza Hygiene & Preservation business offers the broadest portfolio of registered actives, preservatives and formulations for use in disinfectants, sanitizers, institutional and household cleaning products. This wide range of solutions are used to disinfect and sanitize schools, food processing plants, restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, homes and more. More information can be found at www.lonzabiocides.com.
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. It is the global leader in the production and support of chemical and biological active pharmaceutical ingredients. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is also the world leader in microbial control providing innovative, chemistry-based and related solutions to destroy or to selectively inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Its activities encompass the areas of water treatment, personal care, health and hygiene, industrial preservation, materials protection, and wood treatment. In addition, Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Furthermore, the company is a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition and agro markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and secondary listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”). In 2012, the company had sales of CHF 3.925 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
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