We Don't Need to Panic. We Just Need to Be Smart.

EBOLA. The one word that evokes fear and extreme concern in every person I know. I myself have been on no less than ten airplanes over the past several weeks; traveling in and out of this nation’s busiest international airports, utilizing their restrooms and eating their food. To say that I don’t have the same concerns everyone else has would be a total fabrication. As I’m sitting on a chair waiting for my flight and someone sneezes, I think about it. As I’m on the shuttle and I’m on my way to my car in the express lot and another person coughs, I think about it. I’m human. Besides that, we’re inundated with media coverage that’s been flashing all over the screens in the terminal I was just passing through! I couldn’t forget about it if I wanted to…EBOLA!

If this is the mindset of the travelers how do the employees feel? And, it’s not just at the airport. We stop at hotels, restaurants, rest stops, what’s one to do? 

According to WHO, the World Health Organization, this infection is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people. During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health care workers, family members, and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.

If food products are properly prepared and cooked the Ebola virus is deactivated through cooking and cannot infect humans. Basic hygiene measures, including regular hand washing and changing clothes and boots before and after touching infected animals or contact with raw meat and byproducts, can prevent infection in people. Sick and diseased animals should never be consumed, cautions WHO.

Public restrooms are not typically fun to clean anyway (I’ve cleaned my share). However, extra caution should be taken when cleaning them during this troubling time:

• Wash hands in hot, soapy water before using or cleaning the restroom. Understand that anything you touched prior to entering the restroom may have already been contaminated.

• Avoid placing items on the restroom counter or floor. Germs and bacteria will be transferred from the surface to your hands when you pick up the items.

• When using the restroom stall, always use toilet paper to touch door handle before and after use; as well as to flush toilet.

• Use paper towel to turn on and off manual water faucets.

• Use a toilet seat cover.

• If cleaning an extremely soiled restroom, take additional precautions (gloves should always be worn) i.e. goggles avoid skin contact with soiled items or surfaces.

• Wash hands after cleaning restrooms.

Spread of this virus can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures in medical facilities, public gatherings, and burial ceremonies or at home. Take precautions and TRAIN YOUR STAFF!