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Copper surfaces could prevent norovirus spread

Research
Use of copper for door handles, taps and other surfaces, could prevent the spread of norovirus, research from the University of Southampton suggests.

Use of copper for door handles, taps and other surfaces, could prevent the spread of norovirus, research from the University of Southampton suggests.

While norovirus can remain infectious on solid surfaces and is resistant to many cleaning products, copper and copper alloys will rapidly destroy the highly-infectious sickness bug. This could disrupt the cycle of infection and lower risk of outbreaks.

Worldwide, norovirus is responsible for more than 267 million cases of acute gastroenteritis every year.