Bird Flu Prevention | Bird Flu Infection Control

Cleaning Contaminated Areas

To prevent infection with the bird flu virus, when cleaning up spills of body fluids, wear an apron, disposable shoe covers, a bird flu mask or respirator, and disposable gloves.

Wash your hands thoroughly before putting on your protective clothing (refer to bird flu prevention, handwashing).

Wipe up spill with disposable towels and dispose of contaminated waste in a plastic bag. Tie the top of the bag and place the big in a container especially for contaminated materials.

Mop the area thoroughly with detergent and warm water, then wash the area well with with a disinfectant solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach), diluted 1:5 in clean water; or with 70% alcohol. Both of these solutions will inactivate the virus. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.

Discard the contents of the bucket into the toilet and disinfect the bucket with the above solution of bleach and water.

Dry the area thoroughly with disposable towels, or a clean rag, and discard in the container for contaminated waste. Use a separate mop for cleaning the sickroom and other contaminated areas and keep it and the bucket in the sickroom.

For carpeted areas, clean with carpet shampoo and disinfectant. Remove and replace carpet if necessary. Dispose of carpet away from exposure to children and animals.

Remove apron after cleaning and place in container reserved for contaminated laundry (refer to bird flu prevention, laundry).

Remove gloves and wash in warm water and detergent (if using utility gloves). Remove mask and discard. Wash hands well after removing protective clothing .