What is recommended for objects that have been in contact with a patient with known or suspected Hendra virus?

What is recommended for objects that have been in contact with a patient with known or suspected Hendra virus?

• A. Disinfect all articles or instruments used to treat patients with known or suspected infection
• B. Autoclave only those visibly dirty
• C. Rinse with water only
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (A)

Objects that have been in contact with a patient with known or suspected Hendra virus can be contaminated and pose a transmission risk. Because you can’t rely on appearance to determine contamination and the virus can persist on surfaces, the safest approach is to disinfect every article or instrument used in treating the patient. This minimizes the chance of transmission via surfaces or shared equipment. Autoclaving is highly effective and should be used for items that can be autoclaved, but the general rule is to ensure disinfection of all contact items. Rinsing with water only would not reliably inactivate the virus, and doing nothing would leave a risk.

Objects that have been in contact with a patient with known or suspected Hendra virus can be contaminated and pose a transmission risk. Because you can’t rely on appearance to determine contamination and the virus can persist on surfaces, the safest approach is to disinfect every article or instrument used in treating the patient. This minimizes the chance of transmission via surfaces or shared equipment. Autoclaving is highly effective and should be used for items that can be autoclaved, but the general rule is to ensure disinfection of all contact items. Rinsing with water only would not reliably inactivate the virus, and doing nothing would leave a risk.