Ebola information resources

WHO (World Health Organization) Ebola information

Doctors Without Borders Ebola information

CDC (Centers for Disease Control)  Ebola information:                     

MDH (Minnesota Department of Health)  Ebola information:                    

CIDRAP - Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Ebola updates:              

Safe U Ebola information:                 

Ebola virus disinfection and cleaning

Links:

CDC recommendations for cleaning houses safely in West Africa

CDC guidelines for decontamination of US residence

EPA list L - Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus

OSHA - Cleaning and decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces

CDC videos on Donning and Doffing

The CDC has developed detailed training videos for Donning and Doffing PPE.  The videos are customized for N-95 or PAPR and gown or full suit.

UHS retreat - topic - Chasing Ice

On November 5, 2014, University Health and Safety retreat attendees viewed and discussed the documentary Chasing Ice. This award winning film shows retreat of glaciers at several locations around the globe using film and time lapse photography.  The film makes a powerful argument for humans causing a dramatic increase in the rate of glacier melting.

Official Trailer - 2min.

Large Glacier Calving - 5 min. 

The post film discussion focused on University of Minnesota Sustainability initiatives including efforts to reduce the energy use in labs, composting and increased energy efficiency from the new combined heat a power plant. We also discussed ideas for individuals to reduce energy use.  

In Daniel Goldman's book, Ecological Intelligence, he mentions Good Guide as an option for helping decide which products to purchase based on a sustainability rating.   

Happy Halloween from DEHS

DEHS staff - Halloween 2014 - click to enlarge

Dealing with the human remains of ebola patients

CDC guidance for Human Remains at Hospitals and Mortuaries.

PPE Medical Examiner

Virginia Department of Health Guidelines for Coroners.

A recent article from the CDC on  the Postmortem stability of  Ebola virus, and viral RNA suggests that humans who die of EVD can harbor active virus on the skin surface for 7 days, and viral RNA in the tissues for substantially longer (approx. 9 weeks). Additionally, it determined mucosal swabbing was equally as effective as tissue biopsies for sample testing. Blood continues to have the highest viral titer. - Thanks to Shawn Wilson -HCME for the information. 

http://www.bioseal.com/

Heat Sealed body bags are recommended.

Medical Examiners Guide for Bioterrorism and infectious agents - CDC

Ebola guidance for clinics and bleach dilution

Department of Health and Human Services has offered guidance for best practices for clinics and ambulatory care centers dealing with Ebola.

Several questions about the appropriate bleach dilution for cleaning up Ebola.  A 1:10 ratio of fresh bleach to water is the recommended dilution.  Do not mix in any other chemicals.  Use in a well ventilated area.  Bleach is an eye, skin and respirator irritant.

Canadian Guidelines:

SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS: Ebolavirus is susceptible to 3% acetic acid, 1% glutaraldehyde, alcohol-based products, and dilutions (1:10-1:100 for ≥10 minutes) of 5.25% household bleach (sodium hypochlorite), and calcium hypochlorite (bleach powder)^{Footnote48 Footnote49 Footnote50 Footnote62 Footnote63}. The WHO recommendations for cleaning up spills of blood or body fluids suggest flooding the area with a 1:10 dilutions of 5.25% household bleach for 10 minutes for surfaces that can tolerate stronger bleach solutions (e.g., cement, metal) ^Footnote62. For surfaces that may corrode or discolour, they recommend careful cleaning to remove visible stains followed by contact with a 1:100 dilution of 5.25% household bleach for more than 10 minutes.

For spills with more organic matter DEHS has consistantly recommended a contact time of 30 minutes.