Copper can destroy norovirus

New research from the University of Southampton shows that copper and copper alloys will rapidly destroy norovirus, the highly-infectious sickness bug. Initial research suggest that norovirus van be rapidly destroyed on copper and its alloys, with those containing more than 60 per cent copper proving particularly effective. The contamination model used was designed to simulate fingertip-touch contamination of surfaces.

Professor Bill Keevil, Chair in Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton and lead researcher, presented his work at the American Society for Microbiology's 2013 General Meeting.

Norovirus can remain infectious on solid surfaces and is also resistant to many cleaning solutions. Potentially copper alloy surfaces can be employed in high-risk areas such as cruise ships and care homes, where norovirus outbreaks are hard to control.

For further details, see the University of Southampton

Posted by Tim Sandle