Acute Communicable Disease Control

• Proper hand hygiene
• Appropriate cleaning and disinfection
• Appropriate waste disposal
• Personal Protective Equipment including surgical masks or gloves when appropriate

• Hand hygiene (i.e., hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol based hand rub) should be performed by infected persons and household contact after touching lesions material (e.g., rash, scabs, fluid from rash, bandages), clothing, linens, or environmental surfaces (e.g., countertops, toilet seats) that may have contact with lesion material.

To lower the risk of spreading the virus, clean and disinfect in the following order: laundry, hard surfaces, dishes, furniture, and carpet.

Cases can reduce the risk of spreading the virus by following standard cleaning and disinfection methods and washing their own clothing and bed linen with standard detergents in a washing machine.

• Laundry
  • Handle soiled laundry, such as bedding, towels, and personal clothing, according to standard practices, avoiding contact with the lesion or rash that may be present on the laundry. Standard household cleaning/disinfectants may be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Avoid shaking soiled laundry as this could spread infectious particles.

• Hard Surfaces
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched hard surfaces with standard household cleaning/disinfectants. This includes frequently touched surfaces like tables, countertops, door handles, toilet flush handles, faucets, light switches, and floors.
  • Do not dry dust or sweep surfaces as this may spread infectious particles.

• Dishes
  • Wash soiled dishes and eating utensils in a dishwasher with detergent and hot water or by hand with warm water and dish soap.

• Persons with presumed or confirmed monkeypox should wear a surgical mask, especially those who have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, sore throat). If this is not feasible (e.g., a child with monkeypox), other household members should consider wearing a surgical mask when in the presence of the person with monkeypox.
• Disposable gloves should be worn for direct contact with lesions and disposed of after use.
• Skin lesions or rashes should be covered to the best extent possible (e.g., long sleeves, long pants) to minimize risk of contact with others.