Interim Recommendations for Responding to a Public Vomiting Incident

General Recommendations:

• Always use wet, versus dry cleaning methods to minimize the airborne spread of contaminated particles. Evidence suggests that dry vacuum cleaners (including HEPA Filter units) and wet/dry vacuums may lead to further surface contamination via the spread of airborne particles.
• Use single use cleaning equipment and supplies whenever possible and dispose of properly.
• Clean and disinfect any equipment which is not discarded.
• Following a vomiting incident in kitchens, buffet and drink service areas, discard all exposed/unwrapped ready-to-eat foods within a 25-foot radius of the incident location.
• If the vomiting incident occurs on a bus or van, consider removing it from service until it can be appropriately cleaned and sanitized

Suggested disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Tyvek overalls
• Boot covers
• Gloves
• Mask
• Eye protection

1. Ensure area is isolated or cordoned off as soon as possible after the incident is discovered. Environmental studies indicate that viral particles can be disseminated as far as 25 feet from the site of the vomiting incident.
2. Put on Personal Protective Equipment.
3. Cover vomit with absorbent towels.
4. Spray area with chemical known to be effective against norovirus (use caution with bleach; chlorine will bleach-out many soft furnishings, carpet, etc) and leave residuals for at least 10 minutes to ensure adequate contact time with the chemicals.
5. Remove the towels and residuals using a dustpan and spatula.
6. Dispose of all materials including dustpan, spatula and PPE in biohazard bag.
7. Spray the area with chemical and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
8. Let the area air-dry.
9. Steam clean (high temperature extraction unit) contaminated carpets immediately following the manual cleaning steps outlined above.
10. Clean and sanitize any cleanup equipment which is not disposed of.

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