Bird Flu Prevention | Managing Contaminated Laundry

When handling laundry contaminated with the bird flu virus, you can prevent infection by wearing a bird flu mask, disposable gloves and an apron.

Contaminated laundry should be put into a special container, to keep it separate from the rest of the family laundry. Take the container to the sickroom, before you remove the sheets and pillowcases from the bed. Don't carry contaminated laundry from one part of the house to another.

As you remove each sheet, hold it away from your body and place it directly into the container. Do not place soiled laundry on the floor, including towels and clothes.

Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible. Don't sort soiled linen in an uncontaminated area and don't throw soiled linen down a laundry chute.

Set the water temperature on your washing machine to reach 80ºC and use a good detergent. Don’t overfill the washing machine with laundry and be sure to wash contaminated laundry separate from other laundry. Remove your protective apron and add to it to the washing.

Discard your disposable mask first, then gloves, then wash your hands well.

Hang the laundry in sunlight for as long as possible. Handle clean laundry with clean hands.

Note: Risk of bird flu infection will be reduced if sheets, pillowcases, towels, face cloths, masks, gloves, and similar items are not shared between family members.