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TorstenMandal gravatar image

As I expected the cited WHO guideline warns against relying too much on hand-disinfection rather than soap:

"Alcohol-based hand rubs should be made available at every point of care (at the entrance and within the isolation rooms and areas); running water, soap, and single use towels should also be always available. Soap and running water should always be used when hands are visibly soiled. - See more at: https://www.globalhandwashing.org/resources/general/handwashing-ebola-factsheet#what use"

"Chlorine should NOT be used as a replacement for soap or alcohol-based hand rub. Chlorine needs to be in contact with your hands for a prolonged period to have an effect on Ebola virus, typically much longer than it takes to wash your hands, so the added benefit in handwashing is not clear. - See more at: https://www.globalhandwashing.org/resources/general/handwashing-ebola-factsheet#what use"

A locally used solution to supplying soap if soap bars is removed is supplying washing powder like OMO. At the Q and A on WHO guidelines, I discuss uses of ash for soap substitute and disinfectant if needed, eg. outside health centers: It is based on 6 pp referenced text I compiled I link to here as well. Ash as a neglected low-cost alternative for soap for hand washing (and disinfectant) relevant for Ebola prevention -- and some more suggestions.docx