Imagine you are teaching a class on controlling microbial growth in the environment. To test your students, you will present them with a scenario including a site and some probable microbes present. They must design a strategy to eliminate harmful microbes from the area.

Scenario: Recently, a norovirus epidemic occurred in a school cafeteria. It is contagious, and the virus can live on surfaces for several days. Staff at the cafeteria want to disinfect all surfaces to stop further outbreaks.

Strategy: Close the cafeteria, and remove everyone. The surfaces of all items, such as chairs, tables, kitchen equipment, and utensils should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected using a bleach solution. To avoid cross contamination, remove all food and dispose of it properly. Close the cafeteria for 24 hours or more to ensure that any virus particles are killed. The cafeteria should be opened once the entire area is disinfected. To prevent further outbreaks, the staff will need to be educated on hand washing and proper food handling.

Answer to classmate’s scenario: Scenario: A hospital room has been identified to have a potential Clostridium difficile infection. A patient who had a C. difficile confirmed diagnosis formerly occupied the room.

Proposed strategy: First of all, isolate and label the room as contaminated. The surfaces and equipment, such as bed linen, curtains and medical supplies should all be disinfected thoroughly with bleach. To avoid cross contamination, staff members and visitors are encouraged to wear personal protective gear, such as gloves and gowns. After the room is fully disinfected, and it’s deemed safe to use again, you can reopen it for usage. Staff at hospitals should receive training on infection control and how to disinfect and clean thoroughly in order to stop the spread of C. difficile.