“With the recent Ebola outbreak and first UK victim, what can we do to minimise the risk of a UK pandemic, and are we doing enough to improve public awareness?”

The recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease has killed more than 1,000 people across the countries of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. It has made headlines around the world, with leading bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, and NHS Choices in the UK, using the full gamut of communications tools, including social media, to keep the public informed.

As there are no licensed treatments or vaccines, this is a grave concern to people living in Africa. However, to anyone living in countries outside Africa it remains a very low threat. This is because in order to become infected with the Ebola virus, people have to come into contact with the blood, body fluids or organs of an infected person. Those at greatest risk are therefore people who are caring for victims – including family, friends and healthcare professionals.

Despite the fact that the disease is generally not spread through social contact – such as shaking hands – and that airborne transmission is much less likely, the advice from healthcare bodies is to implement strict infection control procedures and to wear protective clothing.

So, although Ebola virus disease is highly unlikely to become a problem in this country, the current outbreak serves as a timely reminder of the crucial role that cleaning and hygiene can play in reducing the risks of infections spreading. This is not just important in hospitals and other healthcare environments – the food sector, education, and the general workplace must all ensure that the highest hygiene standards are delivered consistently.

Without effective cleaning regimes, and easy access to hand washing/sanitising facilities and products, service delivery and customer satisfaction can suffer as a consequence of staff absence due to illness. We should be thankful that Ebola virus disease is not likely to have an impact on our lives in the UK – but it should also prompt us to redouble our efforts to provide clean and hygienic facilities for everyone.

Tomorrow’s Cleaning Soapbox – October 2014