Ebola virus disease (EVD) is an "enveloped" RNA virus that is susceptible to many of the disinfectants already in use by healthcare facilities to disinfect counters and other hard, non-porous laboratory surfaces. However, the CDC recommends the use of disinfectants that work against non-enveloped viruses to provide a broader antiviral spectrum. Disinfectants labeled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against non-enveloped viruses are more potent and can inactivate both enveloped (eg, EVD) and non-enveloped (eg, poliovirus, rotavirus, norovirus) viruses.
CDC guidance states: "Currently, no EPA-registered hospital disinfectant products state on the label that the product can kill Ebola virus. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims for hospital disinfection (or the equivalent microbial pathogen claims) and claims against nonenveloped viruses (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus). These products are broadly antiviral and capable of inactivating both enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, including Ebola virus. These disinfectants should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s labeled instructions. One simple way to identify an appropriate product effective against Ebola virus is to use a product included in EPA’s List L: Disinfectants for Use Against the Ebola Virus."4
