Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. Disinfection (after cleaning) is recommended for all areas where a person with mpox has spent time during their infectious period, including vehicles, and frequently touched items in the home (TV remote, chairs, door handles).
Mpox can survive on clothing, surfaces, and linens for weeks, but it's easy to kill using common household disinfectants and cleaning products. Using hot water and regular detergent is enough to kill the virus on linens and clothing.
Monkeypox virus can also spread between people through respiratory droplets typically in a close setting, such as the same household or a healthcare setting. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
The monkeypox virus can be killed at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, a senior virologist said, citing international research.
He says that washing your hands with soap and warm water or using hand sanitizer after direct contact with someone with monkeypox is strongly recommended. TheEnvironmental Protection Agency als has an online list of disinfectants that it recommends for killing the monkeypox virus.
It's important to know that orthopoxviruses —including mpox—have a particular foe: They are very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. The virus can thrive in a dark, dry, cool environment but not in one that's exposed to a lot of sunlight.
Mpox viruses are sensitive to many household disinfectants, including detergent solution (soap and water) for cleaning and bleach solution for disinfection after cleaning.
More information about Monkeypox is available on the UCI Forward website. available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, especially after contact with high touch areas (e.g. doorknobs, going to the restroom; commonly share spaces, before eating, etc.).
Avoid handling clothes, sheets, blankets or other materials that have been in contact with an infected animal or person. Isolate people who have mpox from healthy people. Wash your hands well with soap and water after any contact with an infected person or animal. Avoid animals that may carry the virus.
Monkeypox, which is classified as a Tier 1 virus, can be killed by a long list of household products for hard surfaces, including products with standard active ingredients like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and ethyl alcohol. The EPA's website also includes disinfecting recommendations for porous surfaces, as well.
At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current mpox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has mpox is at risk.
But, he and the CDC both say these viruses are sensitive to many disinfectants. “This virus is easily killed, so common disinfectants that we use, such as alcohol wipes or Lysol wipes, very easily kill the monkeypox virus,” Roberts said.
“The short answer is yes, it is possible to get monkeypox at the gym, but most people are already taking the necessary steps to avoid transmission, so it's unlikely,” said Giordano. “We have plenty of ways to protect ourselves in this setting.”
According to the study, alcohol-based disinfectants are very effective against monkeypox viruses, whereas hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants have proved inadequate. The team published their findings in the Journal of Infectious Diseases on 2 May 2023.
Monkeypox is primarily acquired through close, skin-to-skin contact with the infectious skin lesions or contact with the saliva of an infected individual. Transmission may occur through direct contact with materials that have been contaminated, such as clothing or linens.
The rash can be kept clean with sterilized water or antiseptic. Saltwater rinses can be used for sores in the mouth, and warm baths with baking soda and Epsom salts can ease the discomfort of sores on the body. Paracetamol can be used to help manage the pain caused by lesions, if needed.
The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
People with multiple sexual partners are at higher risk. Animal to human transmission of mpox occurs from infected animals to humans from bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals.
Consuming soy, cottage cheese, sprouts, yogurt, seeds, nuts, lentils, and other protein rich foods has been beneficial for people suffering from monkeypox.
Reduce the Chance of Spreading Mpox
If you have a rash or sores on your body, wear clothes that are machine washable. Handle and do your own laundry, if possible, and use a washable, non-mesh, cloth laundry bag — do not use a dry cleaner or drop off your laundry for someone else to clean.
Surface Cleaning and Disinfecting: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, using an EPA-registered disinfectant. Follow the instructions carefully, including allowing the surface stay wet for the entire contact time indicated on the product label.
Keep rash and sores clean and dry when not showering or bathing to prevent the sores from becoming infected. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain, swelling and fever.
Avoiding contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals). Avoiding contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus. Thoroughly cooking all foods that contain animal meat or parts. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
Experts say that because the monkeypox virus is not waterborne, it is unlikely that it would be spread in a swimming pool (or hottub), particularly one that is well-maintained with proper chlorine levels.
The virus is spread through bodily fluids, including sweat, which is especially concerning for those using fitness facilities.