A reexamination of Ebola waste treatment regulations and the handling both solid waste and patient fluids is urged in an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The article suggested that hospitals and municipalities determine how to manage the waste that comes with a single potential Ebola patient.
Emory University has estimated that 40 pounds of waste is generated per patient, per day.
For disinfection of areas possibly contaminated with Ebola, the Centers for Disease Control currently recommends the use of an EPA-registered disinfectant with a non-enveloped virus claim.
While there is clear direction regarding disinfection, more guidance is needed regarding the waste that is produced during the care of an Ebola patient, the article said.
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