Becoming sick from cleaning up vomit is possible if the person was ill due to an infectious agent. The risk depends significantly on the underlying cause of the vomiting, such as a highly contagious stomach virus, or a non-infectious condition like motion sickness. Successfully preventing illness in the cleaner requires strict adherence to specific cleaning and disinfection protocols immediately after the incident. Improper technique allows pathogens shed in the vomit to easily spread, making the cleanup process a potential exposure event.
The Pathogens Transmitted Through Vomit
The primary infectious agent of concern in vomit is Norovirus, the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. This pathogen is notoriously contagious, requiring an extremely small dose to cause infection; as few as 18 viral particles may be sufficient.
Norovirus is shed in extremely high concentrations within the vomit of an infected person. It is also particularly resilient, capable of surviving on surfaces for days or even weeks. This environmental stability means the virus remains viable long after the initial contamination, complicating cleanup. While Norovirus is the most common, other agents causing gastrointestinal distress, such as certain bacteria or other viruses like Rotavirus, may also be present.
The high concentration of viral particles and the low infectious dose create a substantial infection risk. Many common household disinfectants are not effective against this hardy, non-enveloped virus. Its presence necessitates a more aggressive cleaning approach.
Routes of Contamination During Cleanup
The act of cleaning a vomit spill presents two main mechanisms for infection. One major route is through the inhalation of tiny, invisible droplets generated during the incident or the cleanup process. The force of vomiting itself can aerosolize viral particles into the surrounding air.
The physical act of wiping, scrubbing, or mopping the contaminated area can re-aerosolize settled particles. These fine, contaminated aerosols can then be breathed in, leading to the ingestion of the pathogen. This underscores the need for caution to avoid agitation of the spill during removal.
The second, and often more common, route of infection is contact transmission via contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites). During cleanup, hands, gloves, or cleaning tools can pick up the virus from the spill or surrounding surfaces. If the cleaner touches their face, mouth, or eyes before proper hand hygiene, they can directly introduce the pathogen into their body.
Essential Steps for Safe Disinfection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before beginning cleanup, equip yourself with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This should include disposable gloves, a disposable apron or gown, and a face mask or respirator combined with eye protection. PPE guards against splashes and aerosol inhalation. The initial step involves careful containment and removal of the bulk material without creating splashes or excessive aerosols.
Material Removal
Use absorbent materials, such as paper towels, a commercial spill kit, or absorbent granules, to gently cover and soak up the vomit. The goal is to lift and remove the material rather than spreading it around the surface. All contaminated absorbent materials must be immediately placed into a plastic trash bag, which should be sealed tightly before disposal.
Disinfection Protocol
After the gross material is removed, disinfection of the surface must occur, which requires a product effective against Norovirus. A solution of household chlorine bleach is highly recommended, as many standard cleaners are ineffective. A robust disinfection solution can be made by mixing 1 and 2/3 cups of household bleach (5-8% sodium hypochlorite) with one gallon of water, creating a strong 1:10 dilution for heavily contaminated, non-porous surfaces.
This bleach solution must be applied to the affected area and allowed to remain wet on the surface for a specific contact time. The recommended contact time is often between five and twenty minutes, depending on the concentration used. After the contact time has passed, the area should be rinsed with clean water and dried.
Finally, all PPE should be carefully removed and disposed of, followed by thorough handwashing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, as alcohol-based sanitizers are not reliably effective against Norovirus.