Keeping a Sterilized Environment
During an outbreak, it’s vital that you keep your environment as sterilized as possible. Illnesses like Ebola can have an incubation period of days to weeks. This means that you or someone you care about may already be infected with it but show no symptoms.
Keeping your living area sterile can help prevent you or a loved one from contracting the illness from each other. Many viruses – including Ebola – can live on surfaces for hours to days after they’ve been contaminated.
For this reason, never assume that just because someone isn’t showing symptoms, they haven’t contaminated your environment. Before you begin cleaning, it’s important that you take the necessary safety precautions.
Wear a pair of disposable coveralls
If someone has been in your home or living space that is infected with Ebola, then you’ll want to wear a pair of disposable coveralls and latex or nitrile gloves while you clean.
Some disposable coveralls come with built-in shoe covers, but not all of them do. If you have a coverall suit without shoe covers, you’ll want to get covers separately because body fluids can splash on the floor.
Disinfect using bleach
Once you’re properly dressed for the task, you’ll need to get some cleaning supplies. Bleach is a good disinfectant choice since it’s easy to access and not expensive.
Other cleaning supplies that you’ll want on hand are soap, hand sanitizer, trash bags, and extra gloves. Keep any items that you throw out separate frm your household to ensure that no virus gets loose.
