What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms are similar to those of smallpox, but less severe. Monkeypox virus is an enveloped virus in the family Poxviridae. This family of viruses also includes vaccinia virus, which is commonly used for assessing the effectiveness of disinfectants against enveloped viruses in methods such as EN 14476.

How is Monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans) which occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa. Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK. The virus can be transmitted from one person to another by direct contact with skin lesions/scabs, by respiratory droplets from prolonged close contact with someone with a rash and through contact with contaminated clothing, bedding or towels.

Cleaning and disinfection

The monkeypox virus is susceptible to routine cleaning and disinfection, and hand hygiene practices.

Surfaces: For disinfection of surfaces, first clean the surface with a neutral detergent followed by 1000ppm active chlorine for a contact time of 15 minutes. Alternatively, Selden has a wide range of products effective against enveloped viruses, including Selgiene ultra; Selgiene extreme; Selgiene advance and Professional surface sanitiser. See our website for a list of suitable products, dilutions, and contact times: http://www.selden.uk/covid19/products.asp?custcode=

Hand hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Selden SO Virucidal and SO Sterile are effective against enveloped viruses. See our website above for full details.

Clothing, towels, and bedding: The government advises to wash all contaminated clothing and linens on a hot wash (over 60°C) with detergent. For items which are sensitive to heat, wash no lower than 30°C on two back-to-back wash cycles. Steam clean carpets and soft furnishings.