🤮 How to clean and disinfect vomit and stool when infected with infectious gastroenteritis
In infectious gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, etc., a large amount of virus is contained in vomit and stool. Since alcohol disinfection may not provide sufficient effects against these viruses, sodium hypochlorite (chlorine-based bleach) is used to disinfect areas contaminated with vomit or stool.
Also, when vomit or similar substances dry out, virus-containing particles can become airborne and spread infection. Clean it up as soon as possible before it dries.
🧤 Things to prepare first
Prepare disposable gloves, a mask, a disposable apron or clothing that can get dirty, paper towels or disposable cloths, plastic bags, a chlorine-based bleach such as Haiter or Kitchen Haiter, and a bucket or measuring cup.
🧴 How to make disinfectant
Here, we will use "Haiter" and "Kitchen Haiter," which have a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 6% at the time of manufacture, as examples.
Areas directly soiled with vomit or feces
Use a disinfectant solution of about 0.1% (1000 ppm). If using Haiter purchased within the last 3 months,About 20 mL of Haiter per 1 L of wateris a guide.
🚪 Toilet seats, doorknobs, etc.
For areas that are frequently touched by hands, use a disinfecting solution of about 0.02% (200 ppm). If using Haiter purchased within the last 3 months,About 12 mL of Haiter for 3 L of wateris a guide.
Sodium hypochlorite decreases in concentration over storage time. If a significant amount of time has passed since purchase, check the product labeling or the dilution method specified by the manufacturer. Also, do not store diluted disinfectant in advance; prepare it when you use it.
🤮 When vomiting on the floor, etc.
The disinfectant to use is about 0.1% (1000ppm). If it is Haiter (bleach) purchased within 3 months,About 20 mL of Haiter per 1 L of wateruse as a guideline.
First, ventilate the room by opening windows or turning on the ventilation fan, and wear gloves and a mask.
② Gently wipe up the vomit with paper towels, gathering it from the outside inward. Scrubbing vigorously may spread the contaminated area.
Immediately place the wiped-up vomit and used paper towels into a plastic bag.
4. After thoroughly removing visible dirt, disinfect the soiled area and its surroundings. It is a good idea to cover the area with a paper towel soaked in disinfectant.
⑤ After allowing the disinfectant to remain in contact for a sufficient amount of time, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Because metal parts may corrode, be sure to wipe them with a damp cloth especially thoroughly after disinfection.
6. Place used gloves and paper towels in a plastic bag, seal it securely, and dispose of it.
7. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water.
Since dried vomit can cause virus-containing particles to become airborne, avoid leaving it to dry or vacuuming it.
When disinfecting the toilet
When you have diarrhea, viruses can contaminate not only the toilet seat, but also places touched by hands, such as the toilet flush lever, door knobs, faucets, handrails, and light switches.
For surfaces that are frequently touched by hands, use a disinfecting solution of about 0.02% (200 ppm). If using bleach (such as Haiter) purchased within the last 3 months, the general guideline is about 12 mL of bleach per 3 liters of water. Wipe down the area with a paper towel dampened with the disinfectant solution, and follow up with a damp cloth with plain water if necessary.
For areas directly soiled with feces or vomit, first remove the visible dirt, and then use a disinfectant of approximately 0.1% (1000 ppm). For toilets with a lid, closing the lid before flushing can reduce the spread of droplets.
👕 When vomit gets on clothing or bed sheets
When handling clothing and sheets stained with vomit or feces, wear gloves and a mask. It is important not to shake the clothing and sheets vigorously so as not to spread virus-containing particles into the surroundings.
First, gently remove any attached vomit or feces with a paper towel and handle it separately from other laundry. For items that can be treated with hot water,Treat with hot water at 85°C or higher for 1 minute or more.and is effective. After that, wash as usual.
Even if hot water treatment is difficult, if the clothing allows the use of chlorine bleach, disinfect it with sodium hypochlorite before washing. However, since this may cause fading or damage the fabric, be sure to check the care label on the clothing and the product instructions on the bleach.
For items that can be machine-dried after washing, drying them thoroughly on a high-heat setting, as long as the fabric can withstand it, will further increase effectiveness. Please note that "85°C or higher for 1 minute" is the condition for hot-water disinfection. This does not mean setting the dryer to 85°C.
🗑️ Disposal of used paper towels and diapers
Paper towels used to wipe up vomit or feces, used diapers, gloves, etc., should not be left as they are, but immediately placed in a plastic bag, sealed tightly, and discarded. After cleaning up, be sure to wash your hands with soap and running water.
Wash hands with soap and running water
For infectious gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, etc., alcohol disinfection alone may not be sufficient as an infection control measure.After using the toilet, after changing diapers, and after handling vomit or feces, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water.
Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) is used to disinfect environments contaminated with vomit or feces.
⚠️ Precautions when using chlorine bleach
Never mix chlorine bleach with acidic cleaners. There is a risk of generating hazardous chlorine gas.
Ensure adequate ventilation during use and wear gloves. Also, avoid putting the diluted disinfectant into a spray bottle and spraying it.
Metal parts may corrode, so wipe them with a damp cloth after disinfection. Color fading may occur on clothing and fabric products, so check the label before use. Use and store chlorine-based bleach and prepared disinfectant solutions out of the reach of children.
Continue disinfecting even after symptoms subside.
With infectious gastroenteritis, the virus may continue to be shed in stool for a while even after symptoms have subsided. Even after feeling better, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom or changing diapers, avoid sharing towels, and keep the toilet area clean.
📚 Gastroenteritis Series
Winter Infectious Gastroenteritis: Characteristics of Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Adenovirus, and How Reinfection Occurs
Infectious Gastroenteritis: Acute Care for Vomiting and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)
🐟Infectious gastroenteritis: Diet during diarrhea: "Regular food" to support recovery
References
•Hall AJ, Vinjé J, Lopman B, et al. Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2011;60(RR-3):1-18.
•Ciofi-Silva CL, Bruna CQM, Carmona RCC, et al. Norovirus Recovery From Floors and Air After Various Decontamination Protocols. J Hosp Infect. 2019;103(3):328-334.
•Rathore MH, Jackson MA, Committee on Infectious Diseases. Infection Prevention and Control in •Pediatric Ambulatory Settings. Pediatrics. 2017;140(5):e20172857.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to Prevent Norovirus.
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Q&A on Norovirus.
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. To prevent the spread of norovirus infection.
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Information on rotavirus.
• Kao. "Haiter" and "Kitchen Haiter" sodium hypochlorite concentration and dilution guidelines.