As the winter months settle in across Arizona, many businesses and schools prepare for the usual seasonal challenges—flu, colds, and increased absenteeism. But there’s another highly contagious virus that deserves urgent attention: Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting disease.” This stomach bug is notorious for spreading quickly in crowded environments, causing sudden outbreaks that disrupt workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.
At Square Feat, we specialize in disinfectant cleaning that helps prevent the spread of Norovirus and other pathogens. This blog post will explain what Norovirus is, why it’s a growing concern this winter, and how proactive cleaning can protect your staff, students, and patients.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis—an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever and fatigue
According to the CDC, Norovirus is the leading cause of stomach flu in the United States, responsible for 19–21 million cases annually. Outbreaks are most common from November through April, making winter the peak season.
Why Arizona Businesses Should Be Concerned
While Norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, it spreads just as easily in schools, offices, medical clinics, and restaurants. Arizona workplaces are particularly vulnerable during winter because:
- Indoor gatherings increase as temperatures drop.
- Holiday travel and events bring people together, raising exposure risks.
- Dry winter air weakens immune defenses, making infections easier to catch.
Recent surveillance shows Norovirus cases are surging earlier than usual this season, with new strains like GII.17 driving outbreaks. That means Arizona businesses must act now to reduce risks.
How Norovirus Spreads
Norovirus is extremely contagious. Just a tiny amount of viral particles can cause infection. It spreads through:
- Contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, desks, keyboards, countertops)
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Shared food or utensils
- Airborne particles released during vomiting
The virus can survive on surfaces for days and is resistant to many common disinfectants. Hand sanitizer alone is not effective against Norovirus; soap and water are essential.
The Impact of an Outbreak
For businesses, a Norovirus outbreak can mean:
- High absenteeism among staff
- Disruption of operations in offices, schools, and clinics
- Reputational damage if customers or patients are affected
- Increased healthcare costs due to emergency visits and dehydration treatment
The CDC estimates Norovirus causes 465,000 emergency room visits and 2.3 million doctor visits annually.
Prevention: The Role of Professional Disinfectant Cleaning
Stopping Norovirus requires more than routine cleaning. Because the virus is resistant to many products, EPA-approved disinfectants and proper cleaning protocols are essential.
Our janitorial teams follow CDC guidelines:
- Thorough surface disinfection using EPA-registered products proven effective against Norovirus.
- Immediate cleanup of vomit or diarrhea incidents with protective equipment, followed by disinfectant application and hot water cleaning.
- High-touch surface focus: doorknobs, elevator buttons, keyboards, phones, and shared equipment.
- Safe laundry handling: contaminated linens or uniforms are washed at high heat to kill viral particles.
By combining routine cleaning with targeted disinfectant protocols, we help reduce the risk of outbreaks in Arizona workplaces.
What Your Staff Can Do
While professional cleaning is critical, everyday habits also matter. Encourage employees, students, and patients to:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
- Avoid preparing food or caring for others while sick.
- Report contamination incidents immediately so cleaning crews can respond.
Why Partner With a Janitorial Service?
Norovirus is hard to kill and easy to spread. Partnering with a professional janitorial service ensures:
- Consistent disinfection protocols across your facility.
- Rapid response to contamination events.
- Peace of mind for staff, students, and patients.
- Compliance with CDC and EPA standards for cleaning and disinfecting.
In Arizona, where winter outbreaks are rising, proactive cleaning is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Norovirus This Winter
Norovirus is a serious threat to Arizona workplaces, schools, and medical offices. With cases rising earlier than usual and new strains spreading quickly, prevention is key. By combining professional disinfectant cleaning with strong hygiene practices, businesses can protect their people and avoid costly disruptions.
At Square Feat we are committed to helping Arizona organizations stay safe this winter. Our disinfectant cleaning services are designed to stop Norovirus in its tracks, keeping your workplace healthy and productive.
Don’t wait until an outbreak happens—click here to schedule preventive cleaning today.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Norovirus: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). List G: EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Norovirus: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-g-epas-registered-antimicrobial-products-effective-against-norovirus
- Mayo Clinic. Norovirus infection: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20355296