What Helps Prevent the Spread of Ebola?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Ebola viruses are transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person with symptoms or through exposure to objects that have been contaminated with infected blood or bodily fluids. Limited laboratory studies under favorable conditions indicate that Ebola virus can remain viable on solid surfaces over several days.

The Ebola virus can spread quickly within healthcare settings. To protect your family, make sure everyone practices proper hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water or uses an alcohol-based sanitizer. Also make sure to avoid contact with blood or other bodily fluids – since that is how the Ebola virus can be spread.

Signs and symptoms of Ebola can appear 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus, although average time is 8-10 days. People sick with Ebola cannot spread the virus until their symptoms are present, and these symptoms get worse over time.

Please seek medical care if you develop the following symptoms:

• Fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F)
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and diarrhea after 3-6 days
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Since non-enveloped viruses like Ebola have the ability to live on surfaces, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home. The Soft Scrub® Brand has products available to help protect your family. Based on guidance from the CDC and EPA, products that meet the following criteria are likely to kill the Ebola virus:

1. The product meets the CDC criteria for disinfectant products .with label claims for a non-enveloped virus;
2. The product is intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces; and,
3. The product label use instructions for the non-enveloped virus or viruses should be followed.

Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser/ Commercial Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser and Soft Scrub Total Bath and Bowl have not specifically been tested against the Ebola virus, but these products meet the criteria above established by the CDC and EPA.

For the most up to date information on the Ebola virus, we recommend that you visit the following website: www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html.