Monkeypox Virus Inactivates on Using Hand Disinfectants: Here’s How

People in many countries are contracting monkeypox, even though they have not traveled to any regions where the virus is mainly circulating. The World Health Organisation (WHO) therefore classifies monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. A research team from the virology departments of Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, and the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, has investigated whether the virus can be inactivated by two disinfectants recommended by the WHO.

They found that both disinfectants efficiently inactivate the virus during a 30-second application and published their findings in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Alcohol-based disinfectants are generally effective against enveloped viruses. Pox viruses can be transmitted not only through direct contact with body fluids but also via contaminated hands. Hence to prevent the spread of monkeypox, good hand hygiene is therefore essential.

Identifying a Disinfectant Effective Against Monkeypox

To test the effectiveness of the disinfectants recommended by the WHO, the researchers brought the viruses into contact with one of the recommended WHO formulations as well as with their main components ethanol and isopropanol individually.

After an exposure time of 30 seconds, they determined the number of virus particles that were still infectious compared to the baseline value. They could show that both WHO disinfectants sufficiently inactivate the virus.

Since most commercial disinfectants also contain ethanol or isopropanol, they should also inactivate the virus. The critical factor is the concentration of the ingredients, but you can usually read this on the packaging.

WHO-Recommended Formulations

WHO-recommended disinfectant I consist of 80 percent ethanol by volume, 1.45 percent glycerol by volume, and 0.125 percent hydrogen peroxide by volume. Disinfectant II consists of 75 percent by volume isopropanol, 1.45 percent by volume glycerol, and 0.125 percent by volume hydrogen peroxide.

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Source-Eurekalert