According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Although Monkeypox is not fatal, we obviously would like to minimize infection as much as possible. With some valuable information from the CDC cleaning chemical vendors, we would like to share, Monkeypox Cleaning – What You Should Know.
How Is It Spread?
Close or Intimate Contact
Directly from the CDC website:
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions
Monkeypox Cleaning and Disinfecting
The EPA utilizes the Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) Policy to allow product manufacturers to make off-label claims concerning effectiveness against emerging viruses like the Monkeypox virus. Products referenced on the EPA’s “List Q “ provides guidance on which products are appropriate to utilize for disinfection on environmental surfaces. Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens (EVPs): List Q | US EPA“
Monkeypox (Tier 1 (enveloped virus)) from surfaces.
How to Clean a Monkeypox-Contaminated Surface
- Wear proper PPE
- Spray contaminated area with a disinfectant
- Let the disinfectant sit on the surface for the recommended amount of time (time may vary depending on the disinfectant.)
- Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth (preferably damp)
CDC Cleaning Guidelines
(Below is directly from the CDC Website. See the original post here)
Cleaning and Disinfection
During isolation at home, people with monkeypox should clean and disinfect the spaces they occupy regularly to limit household contamination.
- ISOLATING ALONE IN HOME: People with monkeypox who are isolating alone at home should regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they occupy, including commonly touched surfaces and items, to limit household contamination. Perform hand hygiene afterwards using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) that contains at least 60% alcohol, or soap and water if ABHR is unavailable.
- ISOLATING WITH OTHERS IN HOME: People with monkeypox who are isolating in a home with others who don’t have monkeypox should follow the isolation and infection control guidance, and any shared spaces, appliances, or items should be disinfected immediately following use.
People who have recovered from monkeypox and whose isolation period has ended should conduct a thorough disinfection of all the spaces within the home that they had been in contact with. Follow the steps below to minimize risk of infection to others in your home after recovery.
- If cleaning and disinfection is done by someone other than the person with monkeypox, that person should wear, at a minimum, disposable medical gloves and a respirator or well-fitting mask.
- Standard clothing that fully covers the skin should be worn, and then immediately laundered according to recommendations below.
- Hand hygiene should be performed using an ABHR, or soap and water if ABHR is unavailable.
- Focus on disinfecting items and surfaces that were in direct contact with the skin of the person with monkeypox, or often in the presence of the person with monkeypox, during isolation. If unsure, disinfect.
- Do not dry dust or sweep as this may spread infectious particles.
- Wet cleaning methods are preferred such as disinfectant wipes, sprays, and mopping.
- Vacuuming is acceptable using a vacuum with a high-efficiency air filter. If not available, ensure the person vacuuming wears a well-fitting mask or respirator.
- Clean and disinfect household in the following order:
- General waste containment
- Collect and contain in a sealed bag any soiled waste such as bandages, paper towels, food packaging, and other general trash items.
- Laundry
- Gather contaminated clothing and linens before anything else in the room is cleaned. Do not shake the linens as this could spread infectious particles.
- Hard surfaces and household items
- Upholstered furniture and other soft furnishing
- Carpet and flooring
- Waste disposal
- General waste containment
Monkeypox Cleaning- What You Should Know – Conclusion
Reference the CDC and EPA material as much as possible when dealing with Monkeypox. Always consult with a professional janitorial service like Advantage Maintenance Inc. before using chemicals in your facility.