Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Increasing nonzoonotic human monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections urge reevaluation of inactivation strategies. We demonstrate efficient inactivation of MPXV by 2 World Health Organization–recommended alcohol-based hand rub solutions. When compared with other (re)emerging enveloped viruses, MPXV displayed the greatest stability. Our results support rigorous adherence to use of alcohol-based disinfectants.
Introduction
The global spread of human monkeypox virus (MPXV) has activated the highest alert level of the World Health Organization (WHO), which declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern.[1] MPXV is spreading among persons who have not traveled to disease-endemic areas.[2] The associated novel clinical and epidemiologic patterns necessitate comprehensive investigations, including (re)evaluation of hygiene measures for preventing MPXV transmission. Given the remarkable stability of other pox viruses compared with other enveloped viruses, it is particularly useful to confirm which disinfectants and biocidal agents can inactivate MPXV.[3] Moreover, in addition to direct contact with infected body fluids or lesions or respiratory secretions, MPXV can be transmitted indirectly through contaminated surfaces (fomites).[4] Hygienic hand antisepsis is one of the most useful measures in preventing healthcare- and outbreak-associated viral infections.
In 2009, the WHO proposed Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care, a document to implement use of 2 alcohol-based hand rubs (formulation I and II) for surgical and hygiene hand disinfection in healthcare settings and to reduce transmission of pathogens.[5] However, inactivation efficacies of these products against MPVX have not been determined. We evaluated the WHO-recommended alcohol-based formulations against MPXV and performed a comparative inactivation analysis with other (re)emerging enveloped and reference viruses, including Zika virus, influenza A(H1N1) virus, Ebola virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 1 and 2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2023;29(1):189-192. © 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
