An 18-year-old Crans-Montana burn victim dies at University Hospital Zurich.
Not from the burns. But from a hospital germ: Acinetobacter baumannii. A name hardly anyone outside of intensive care units knows. One of the most dangerous germs there is. This case is not an isolated medical incident. It is a systemic signal. And avoidable.
For years, politicians, hospital managements, and expert committees have been discussing antibiotic resistance, hygiene protocols, and compliance. There's plenty of paper. Plenty of meetings too. And yet, something astonishing - or rather, disturbing - is happening: A disinfectant solution manufactured, available, and tested in Switzerland is being systematically ignored in the Swiss healthcare system. And it's been working for a long time. Just not where it would be most important.
Hundreds of loading bridges belonging to the logistics company Planzer have been disinfected for over a year at 15 locations in Switzerland using precisely this principle of action – with high-pressure spray devices. Veterinary clinics use it. Home care teams report good tolerability, fast action, and material-friendly application – some even report positive effects on wound healing.
The problem is not that there is no solution to dangerous germs. The problem is that a solution is not being used.
A germ problem, not a knowledge problem
It is known that germs such as Acinetobacter baumannii or Candida auris are life-threatening for immunocompromised patients. According to the WHO, Acinetobacter baumannii is considered one of the most dangerous multidrug-resistant bacteria. Deaths in hospitals are documented, including in Switzerland. It is also known that these germs survive on surfaces, equipment, beds, curtains, in ventilation systems, and in so-called "shadow zones."
And it's no secret either: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) can inactivate these germs. Scientifically proven – for decades.
HOCl is not a new miracle cure. It is an endogenous substance that our immune system produces itself. What is new is merely the technology: Today, stable, pH-neutral HOCl can be produced from water, salt, and electricity – with a shelf life of several months. No longer just one day, as in the First World War.
The crucial point: HOCl can be nebulized and sprayed. Effective precisely where traditional disinfection reaches its limits.
Air.
Walls.
Beds.
Curtains.
Shadow zones.
Swiss Made, tested – and yet barely used
In Switzerland, Actiwa Swiss Group AG produces such a product: Desinfactive® Medical. 700–750 ppm HOCl. pH-neutral. Alcohol-free. Without hazard labelling.
The product is EN-tested – according to standardized European test procedures. It is approved in several biocide categories and registered with the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). It does not damage materials such as wood, leather, rubber, or electronics. It also works against alcohol- and fungicide-resistant germs – including Candida auris.
And yet, in Swiss hospital everyday life, there is still no binding recommendation or clear strategy for the widespread use of such agents.
Why?
Too expensive? Hardly – the products are regularly available. Not effective enough? No – internationally recognized. Not allowed? Yes – approved.
Fatal inaction
One uncomfortable truth remains: ignorance can kill. Nobody is saying that the death of the 18-year-old at University Hospital Zurich could have been prevented – that would be irresponsible. But if hospitals can use an anti-resistant disinfectant today and don't, then that's no longer a technical detail. It's a failure on many levels.
Switzerland is pursuing the NOSO strategy: a strategy for reducing nosocomial infections – in other words, a national strategy for preventing hospital infections. Both the FOPH and Swissnoso, the Swiss specialist organization for infection prevention, lack a clear recommendation for the use of HOCl in intensive care units and for quarantines.
The NOSO strategy, supported by the FOPH, promises a reduction in hospital germs by 2030. Without concrete implementation, this remains a toothless declaration of intent. Patients, staff, and visitors are at risk.
