Although the Ebola Virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, it can live on solid surfaces for several days. In order to keep your family healthy, it’s important to practice careful hygiene and properly disinfect the surfaces your family comes into contact with. Making sure you’re using the right products is half of the battle. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have helped identify a list of registered disinfectants likely to kill the Ebola Virus.
Based on guidance from these organizations, products that meet the following criteria are likely to kill the Ebola virus:
- The product meets the CDC criteria for disinfectant products with label claims for a non-enveloped virus;
- The product is intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces; and,
- The product label use instructions for the non-enveloped virus or viruses should be followed.
Soft Scrub with Bleach and Soft Scrub Total Bath and Bowl Cleaner are EPA-registered, and meet the criteria likely to kill viruses like the Ebola Virus.
Non-enveloped viruses are generally more difficult to eliminate than enveloped viruses, like the Ebola Virus. Consequently, disinfectants determined to be effective on non-enveloped viruses are considered to be effective on enveloped viruses.
When disinfecting, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Not following manufacturer instructions allows room for error, and for the cleaning product to not be as effective. Also, be sure never to mix chemicals together. Using a single, suitable disinfectant can be more effective than mixing together a potentially toxic combination.
Be sure to protect your family by following all CDC and EPA recommendations for disinfecting against viruses. Practicing careful personal hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer, will also help prevent the spread of viruses.