Stay Safe from Mpox: The Benefits of ViroCLEAR in Disinfection & Hygiene
, by Tatianna Gerard, 8 min reading time
Back in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) a global health emergency in response to a significant and unusual outbreak in non-endemic regions, including Europe, North America, and Australia. The outbreak, which spread rapidly across these areas, marked a concerning shift in how the virus was being transmitted. Although the WHO declared the emergency over after 10 months, the spread of Mpox has continued, particularly in Australia. According to federal data, Mpox cases in Australia have surged by more than 570% since July 2024, with NSW and Victoria having the most cases, raising renewed concerns.
Maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial in preventing the further spread of Mpox. With the virus still present, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the measures we can take to protect ourselves and our communities.
Understanding Mpox and its global impact
Mpox is a viral infection that has traditionally been endemic to certain regions in Central and West Africa, however, the are cases appearing in countries where the virus had not previously been seen. According to the WHO, Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. The symptoms of Mpox can include fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash that progresses to painful sores.
The resurgence of Mpox in Australia
Since the global outbreak began in May 2022, Australia has recorded only a few hundred cases of Mpox. Although the virus has made its way to Australia, it remains relatively uncommon in the country, however, with international travel resuming, there is a possibility that Mpox could be reintroduced periodically through travellers arriving from affected regions.
Given this potential for occasional reintroductions, it’s important for Australians to remain vigilant. Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, but individual actions—particularly maintaining good hygiene practices—are key in preventing the spread of the virus.
How to prevent the spread of Mpox
Preventing the spread of Mpox requires a combination of vigilance, hygiene, and awareness. While Mpox is relatively rare, it’s still essential to take precautions, especially in areas where cases have been reported or if you’re travelling to regions with known outbreaks. Here are some key steps you can take to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading Mpox:
- Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of Mpox. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitiser. It’s also important to clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment.
- Avoid close contact: Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, particularly through skin-to-skin contact or contact with their bodily fluids. If someone you know is showing symptoms of Mpox, it’s best to avoid close contact until they have fully recovered.
- Be cautious with shared items: The virus can also spread through contaminated objects, such as bedding, towels, or clothing. Avoid sharing personal items with others, and ensure that any potentially contaminated items are washed thoroughly.
- Stay informed: If you’re travelling or living in an area where Mpox cases have been reported, stay informed about the local health guidelines. This can help you take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others.
- Consider vaccination: If you are in a higher-risk group for Mpox, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about available vaccination options. Despite the rise in Mpox cases, vaccination rates remain low across Australia, which may be one of the factors behind the current spike in infections. The preferred vaccine, Jynneos, is easily accessible and is administered in two doses. While it may not fully prevent the disease, it has been shown to lessen the severity of symptoms, making it a valuable protective measure.
ViroCLEAR: A powerful solution for disinfection and sanitisation
ViroCLEAR is an advanced disinfectant that has shown potential in effectively killing a wide range of viruses, including those similar to Mpox. ViroCLEAR harnesses advanced BioInnovate technology to deliver a non-alcohol disinfectant that is both effective and gentle. Unlike many traditional disinfectants, ViroCLEAR achieves high efficacy with lower concentrations of active ingredients, thanks to its innovative formulation.
At the heart of ViroCLEAR's power is Benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound renowned for its dual role as a disinfectant and antiseptic. This organic compound is known for its strong antimicrobial properties, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Benzalkonium chloride functions as a cationic surfactant, meaning it possesses both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-attracting) properties. This unique characteristic allows it to target and disrupt the lipid layers of cell membranes found in bacteria and viruses. By compromising these lipid layers, ViroCLEAR effectively destroys harmful microorganisms, providing a reliable barrier against infection.
How does ViroCLEAR compare in efficacy with other solutions?
Based on the lab testing comparing ViroCLEAR Surface Disinfectant with different ethanol-based formulations, ViroCLEAR achieved complete kill within the same timeframe of 30 seconds, similar to the ethanol-based solution that included ethanol, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
Laboratory tests have demonstrated that ViroCLEAR hand sanitiser, which features a non-alcohol formulation, offers similar high-level efficacy when compared with an ethanol 80%/water hand sanitiser. The results show that ViroCLEAR achieved a complete kill of harmful pathogens within just 30 seconds of contact. In contrast, the ethanol-based hand sanitiser showed only slight reductions in pathogens within the same time frame and did not improve significantly even after additional testing at 60 and 120 seconds.
See full ViroCLEAR test results.
How ViroCLEAR can help Australians stay safe
For Australians looking to enhance their hygiene practices in the face of Mpox, ViroCLEAR offers an accessible and effective solution. Here’s how you can incorporate ViroCLEAR into your daily routine:
1. Regular disinfection of surfaces
Use ViroCLEAR Hospital-Grade Disinfectant Spray to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, kitchen countertops, desks and chairs at schools, and even office meeting rooms. Regular disinfection can help minimise the risk of bringing the virus into your household and immediate surroundings.
If you manage or frequent public spaces, consider using ViroCLEAR for high-traffic areas. Regularly disinfecting surfaces in gyms, shops, and public transport can play a significant role in curbing the spread of Mpox.
If you need to completely disinfect a room or more compact spaces like vehicles, the ViroCLEAR Sanitiser & Protectant Disinfectant Fogger is your go-to solution. This fogger acts like a disinfectant bomb—when the button is pressed, it releases an ultra-fine mist that reaches hidden crevices that are difficult to disinfect using traditional methods. This makes it particularly useful for ensuring thorough disinfection in spaces that are challenging to clean manually.
2. Sanitise hands when you’re out and about
For those times when you’re out and about, or in communal settings, ViroCLEAR Hand Sanitisers are a must-have. They provide an easy and effective way to keep your hands hygienic, helping you reduce the risk of spreading or contracting pathogens, especially in high-contact areas.
ViroCLEAR products are readily available in Australia, making it easy to incorporate them into your hygiene practices.
Shop the ViroCLEAR product range at Aussie Pharma Direct.
Conclusion
Hygiene remains a critical component in preventing the spread, and products like ViroCLEAR can be powerful tools in this effort. By understanding the risks, maintaining rigorous hygiene practices, and using effective disinfectants like ViroCLEAR, we can protect ourselves and our communities from Mpox.