Recommendations for the control of epidemics of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis:
(1) careful handwashing before and after contact with patients, using disposable towels or airdryers
(2) wearing disposable gloves when in direct contact (even handshaking) with patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis
(3) careful handling of contact lenses (switch to glasses, disposal of contact lens if possible, heat treatment if available)
(4) use of disposable unit vials of medications
(5) care in handling of instruments that come in contract with eye and ears (cleaning and sterilization after each use, disposable contact items)
(6) keeping patients separated in health care settings
(7) careful cleaning of all surfaces after a visit using dilute chlorine bleach or iodophors
(8) quarantine ("furlough") of infected persons for at least 2 weeks or until ocular drainage has stopped
(9) control of identified point source (such as contaminated swimming pool or bathroom)
(10) contact with local health officials to monitor the outbreak
(11) educate patients and the public of steps to help prevent spread and acquisition
NOTE: Alcohol swabs (50-70% isopropyl swab), hydrogen peroxide and other common clinical disinfectants may prove ineffective against strains of adenovirus involved in epidemic spread.
