Can Clinell products kill monkeypox virus?

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by an enveloped virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.

Are Clinell wipes effective against monkeypox?

Although the role of surfaces in the transmission of the virus is unclear, GAMA Healthcare have received several enquiries about the efficacy of Clinell products.

Whilst test data specific to the Monkeypox virus has not been submitted to TGA, Clinell Universal Wipes have been tested against non-enveloped viruses, including Norovirus by independent laboratories. Clinell Universal Wipes produce a 4-log reduction (99.99% kill) against Norovirus in a 60 second contact time.

As a non-enveloped virus, the core of a Norovirus is protected by a protein shield called a capsid. The capsid is both essential for viral infection and provides protection against disinfection. Despite this protection, Clinell Universal Wipes are still efficacious against Norovirus.

By contrast, as an enveloped virus Monkeypox virus still has a capsid, but it is held inside a viral envelope. The envelope is made of a membrane called a lipid bilayer and is essential for viral infection. Because of this, enveloped viruses are much more susceptible to disinfectants. Once the lipid bilayer is broken, the virus is no longer infectious, even if the capsid is intact.

Furthermore, Clinell Universal Wipes contain Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) which have incredibly good activity against lipid bilayers.

Because of this, efficacy against non-enveloped viruses, like Norovirus, is sufficient to also demonstrate efficacy against enveloped viruses, like Monkeypox virus.

Where are monkeypox infections found?

Typically, monkeypox infections are found in Central and Western African countries such as Nigeria, Liberia and Democratic of Congo. However, in the past few weeks, cases have been reported in Portugal, Spain  the UK and Australia.

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

According to UKSHA, initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.[1] A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.

How does monkeypox spread?

The infection is usually spread by close contact with an infected patient, however there is a very low risk of transmission to the general public. The sources of identified cases are being rapidly investigated by UKHSA and they are raising awareness among health professionals.[1]

Why is monkeypox emerging now?

The emerging character of the disease has been attributed to:[2]

• Higher or more frequent exposure to animal reservoir species

• Increased human-to-human transmission rate

• Advances in diagnostic capacity and health education

• The cessation of the smallpox vaccine and the drop in immunity against Orthopoxvirus

If you'd like to know more about the efficacy of our Clinell product range, please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form. Help spread awareness of the virus by sharing this article on social media.

References:

[1] UKHSA Latest updates on cases of monkeypox identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-england-latest-updates

[2] Sklenovská N and Van Ranst M (2018) Emergence of Monkeypox as the Most Important Orthopoxvirus Infection in Humans. Front. Public Health 2018; 6:241.