21 August 2014
We have had many enquiries regarding the effectiveness of our disinfectants against the Ebola virus. The following information has been compiled by our chemists, which we hope will be of help.
We have not had any of our products tested against this virus and it is very unlikely that such testing will be carried out. There are only 2 reference laboratories in the UK that handle this Hazard Group 4 virus and these laboratories are engaged in diagnostic and vaccine research work. Due to this, these laboratories will not be testing any disinfectants for their effectiveness against the virus. Therefore we, and other companies, will not be able to have any products tested against the Ebola virus.
The UK.gov website gives the Government’s response to the current Ebola outbreak https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ebola-government-response and makes clear that the risk to the UK is low and that measures are in place to deal with suspected cases.
The Ebola virus is an enveloped virus and enveloped viruses are more susceptible to disinfectants than non-enveloped ones. However results against one enveloped virus cannot be used to prove activity against others, particularly a virus such as Ebola. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) would be the best option (and is listed in the World Health Organisation guidance) as a broad range virucidal disinfectant for surface disinfection when there are no test results available.
Good hand hygiene is vitally important, especially for those caring for sick individuals, along with the use of gloves, protective clothing and masks. Advice regarding hand hygiene, and more information about the current outbreak, is given on the WHO website at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/ as well as on their FAQ section http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/faq-ebola/en/
Evans Vanodine’s products include sodium hypochlorite (bleach) disinfectants, hand soaps and an alcohol hand rub, known as Handsan. Evans Handsan contains 70% Isopropanol and is proven to kill 99.999% of bacteria in 30 seconds.
