As the recent monkeypox outbreak captures global attention, many are concerned about how to effectively disinfect surfaces and prevent the spread of the virus. At SONO, we’re reminded of a similar situation we faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 was a novel virus, and like many disinfectant products, our wipes didn’t have it on our list of approved pathogens. However, the CDC and EPA responded quickly, creating an emergency use option under the emerging pathogens list. This allowed products like our quat-based SONO wipes to be provisionally approved for use against the virus, even before specific testing was completed.
Through continued research and rigorous testing, our wipes eventually received full approval, initially with a 10-minute contact time, which was reduced to 4 minutes, and finally, with more data, to just 15 seconds for the COVID-19 virus. This progression underscores the importance of the emerging pathogen protocol, which ensures that effective disinfectants are available when they’re most needed, even against newly discovered threats.
As for monkeypox, while it is not currently listed as an approved pathogen on most disinfectants, including ours, it’s likely that the situation will evolve similarly to what we experienced with COVID-19. Ongoing testing and research will determine the efficacy of existing disinfectants against monkeypox, and if necessary, the CDC and EPA may include it under the emerging pathogens category. At SONO, we are actively involved in testing and expect that our wipes could be considered effective under these emerging guidelines, offering another layer of protection during this outbreak.
It’s essential to stay informed as the situation develops. While we await further testing and potential updates to our product labels, you can trust that our team is dedicated to ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
