Mattress Decontamination Protocol for Bubonic Plague (Yersinia pestis): Disinfection, Steam, Quarantine, and Disposal

Yersinia pestis (bubonic plague) is a Tier 1 select agent. Mattress decontamination requires rigorous infection control.

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. PPE: N95/PAPR, double gloves, gown, face shield, boot covers. Don/doff per protocol.
2. Isolation: Move mattress to designated decon area (negative pressure if available); restrict access.
3. Gross decontamination: Remove visible soil/fluids with absorbent material; dispose as Category A waste.
4. Surface disinfection: EPA-registered disinfectant with claims against Y. pestis or tuberculocidal (e.g., 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide). Apply per label contact time (≥10 min). Cover all surfaces, seams, tufts.
5. Steam cleaning (optional but recommended): >170°F (77°C) steam penetration kills residual organisms in fabric/filling.
6. Drying: Thorough air-dry (prevents mold).
7. Quarantine: Seal in impermeable cover; store 14 days (max survival of Y. pestis in environment).
8. Verification: Environmental swabbing (PCR/culture) if resources allow.
9. Disposal criteria: If heavily soiled, damaged, or cannot be validated clean → dispose as regulated medical waste per CDC/state guidelines.

Coordination

Notify local/state health department. Follow CDC Plague: Information for Healthcare Providers and OSHA standards. Only trained personnel should perform.