Pathogens and pathogenic bacteria commonly found on fomites in public schools represent a significant ongoing and costly health hazard to the U.S. population.
The Role of Common Surfaces in Schools in the Transmission of Pathogens and Bacteria
Inanimate surfaces play a significant role in transmitting pathogens--influenza--and pathogenic bacteria--E. coli--in public schools.
Classrooms, in particular, are highly susceptible to the colonization and transmission of germs and bacteria due to the proximity of a large number of students, the high number of commonly touched surfaces, and the statistically low levels of hand hygiene.
The rapid growth and transmission of pathogenic bacteria and pathogens in the classroom results in widespread infection and illness--the leading cause of student absences.
Intervention programs that include hand hygiene protocols, increased cleaning frequencies, and targeted disinfection has proven effective at eliminating the presence of germs and bacteria, resulting in fewer absences and improved educational outcomes.
The Presence of Pathogenic Bacteria and Pathogens on Communal Surfaces in Public Schools
Pathogenic bacteria and pathogens are present on numerous surfaces within a classroom.
A recent study has shown that the more commonly touched the surface, the more contaminated it is.
Additionally, the same study established a strong correlation between the presence of germs and bacteria and student illness and absences.
Six elementary classrooms were divided into control and intervention groups (cleaned daily with a quaternary ammonium wipe) and tested for heterotrophic bacteria.
Three classrooms were also tested for norovirus and influenza A virus.
Frequently used fomites were the most contaminated; water fountain toggles, pencil sharpeners, keyboards, and faucet handles were the most bacterially contaminated; desktops, faucet handles, and paper towel dispensers were the most contaminated with viruses.
Influenza A virus was detected on up to 50% and norovirus on up to 22% of surfaces throughout the day.
Children in the control classrooms were 2.32 times more likely to report absenteeism due to illness than children in the intervention classrooms and were absent longer (on average).
The Consequence of High Levels of Pathogenic Bacteria and Pathogens on Commonly Touched Surfaces in Classrooms
As noted in the previous section, there is a clear correlation between the presence of illness-causing bacteria and germs on surfaces in the classroom and student absences.
According to one study, sickness-caused absences were the number one driver behind missed school days, ultimately resulting in additional non-illness-related absences--chronic absenteeism--as time wore on.
The one-year prevalence of school absence was 85% in mainstream primary schools and 79% in special schools.
Sickness absence was the most prevalent type of absence, occurring in 75 and 71% of pupils, respectively.
The prevalence of extensive sickness absence was 13 and 23%, respectively.
In mainstream schools, extensive sickness absence was associated with a young age, low parental educational level, more doctorโs visits, and unauthorized absence, and in special schools with more doctorโs visits, other authorized absence, tardiness, and unauthorized absence.
The prevalence of sickness absence among primary school pupils โ reason to be worried?
A study of the available data and literature on the matter has demonstrated consistently poor short and long-term outcomes for students suffering from chronic absenteeism.
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics;
Students with poor attendance score lower than their peers who attend school regularly on national skills assessments, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Chronic absenteeism can be a better predictor of school failure than test scores.
In 1 study, students with high test scores who missed at least 2 weeks of school during the semester were more likely to have failing grades than students with low test scores who regularly attended school.
Chronic absenteeism as early as sixth grade is predictive of dropping out of school.
The literature reveals that poor school performance is associated with poor adult health outcomes.
Compared with adults with higher educational attainment, those with low educational attainment are more likely to be unemployed or work at a part-time or lower-paying job.
Cleaning, Hygiene, and Targeted Intervention Programs Reduce the Presence of Pathogenic Bacteria, Pathogens, and Rates of Student Illness and Absence
Intervention programs that consist of:
- Proper cleaning practices and hospital-grade products,
- Consistent hand hygiene for all students and faculty, and;
- Targeted fomite disinfection;
Have a demonstrably positive impact on reducing pathogenic bacteria, pathogens, and associated infection and healthcare costs.
To demonstrate the effect of proper cleaning and disinfecting, we cleaned and disinfected classroom desks of first, fourth, and fifth graders at the end of each school day for 12 weeks and found that we could reduce absenteeism by 50% compared with classrooms where this was not done.
In another study, researchers found that providing an alcohol-based sanitizer and disinfecting key surfaces in the classroom reduced the occurrence of noroviruses on surfaces by more than 50%. Not surprisingly, student absenteeism due to diarrhea declined.
๐ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the most common pathogens found in schools?
Schools are hotspots for bacteria and viruses that cause illness. The most commonly found include:
- Influenza virus โ Causes seasonal flu, spreads via droplets and contaminated surfaces.
- Norovirus โ A highly contagious virus responsible for stomach flu and gastrointestinal infections.
- E. coli โ A bacteria linked to foodborne illnesses, often found on high-touch surfaces.
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) โ Causes skin infections and, in some cases, serious respiratory issues.
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep throat bacteria) โ A common cause of sore throats and respiratory infections.
2. How do germs spread in schools?
Pathogens spread primarily through:
- Direct contact โ Touching contaminated hands, shared supplies, or surfaces.
- Airborne transmission โ Coughing, sneezing, or talking releases infectious droplets.
- Fomite transmission โ Germs survive on surfaces like desks, door handles, and keyboards for hours or days.
3. Which areas in schools are the most contaminated?
Studies show that the highest bacterial and viral loads are found on:
- Drinking fountain toggles โ Often touched and rarely disinfected.
- Desktops and chairs โ Constant student interaction increases contamination.
- Keyboards and shared electronics โ High-contact surfaces that trap bacteria.
- Restroom fixtures (faucet handles, toilet flushers, paper towel dispensers) โ Moist environments ideal for microbial growth.
4. What role does hand hygiene play in reducing illnesses?
Proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds reduces pathogen transmission by up to 50%. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) further decrease microbial load when handwashing is not possible.
5. How often should schools clean high-touch surfaces?
Best practices recommend:
- Daily cleaning and disinfection of desks, door handles, and shared equipment.
- Multiple cleanings per day during flu season or viral outbreaks.
- Deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery on a scheduled basis.
6. Does enhanced cleaning actually reduce absenteeism?
Yes. Schools that implement targeted disinfection programs report:
- Fewer student and staff illnesses.
- Up to 50% reduction in absenteeism linked to preventable infections.
- Lower transmission rates for influenza and gastrointestinal viruses.
7. What disinfectants should schools use?
Schools should use EPA-registered disinfectants proven to kill viruses and bacteria while being safe for classroom environments. Quaternary ammonium compounds and hydrogen peroxide-based solutions are among the most effective options.
โ School Cleaning & Hygiene Checklist (Copy & Paste)
โ Daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces โ Desks, door handles, keyboards, light switches, drinking fountains.
โ Scheduled deep cleaning of restrooms โ Toilet seats, flush handles, sinks, and soap dispensers.
โ Hand hygiene reinforcement โ Provide soap, sanitizers, and reminders for students and staff.
โ Sanitization of shared equipment โ Keyboards, art supplies, gym equipment, and library books.
โ HVAC maintenance and air purification โ Regular filter replacements to reduce airborne pathogens.
โ Safe food handling practices โ Routine cleaning of cafeteria trays, utensils, and food prep areas.
โ Cross-contamination prevention โ Color-coded cleaning tools for restrooms vs. classrooms.
โ Absentee tracking and intervention โ Identify illness trends early and increase cleaning frequency.
โ Emergency response for outbreaks โ Rapid disinfection measures for flu, norovirus, and other contagious diseases.
By following this comprehensive approach, schools can create a cleaner, healthier learning environment that reduces illness-related absences and improves overall student well-being.
๐ Contact Vanguard Cleaning Systemsยฎ to implement a science-backed cleaning plan.
- Oklahoma: 918-960-4450
- Arkansas: 479-717-2410
- Missouri: 417-812-9777
Takeaway
Clearly, the presence of germs and bacteria on commonly touched surfaces in public classrooms is both pervasive and problematic, resulting in demonstrably increased instances of illness and absenteeism, as well as diminished educational and life outcomes.
Intervention programs consisting of professional cleaning and targeted disinfection by experienced professionals trained in cross-contamination prevention are proven methods for significantly reducing the presence of pathogens and pathogenic bacteria on surfaces in the classroom, resulting in documented improvements in student attendance and test scores.
Contact us today and discover why Vanguard Cleaning Systemsยฎ is the Standard of Cleanยฎ for businesses throughout Northwest Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, dial 918-960-4450
In Arkansas, dial 479-717-2410
In Missouri, dial 417-812-9777
