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May, 22 2026

Emerging and Responding: Fighting Ebola

Fighting Ebola with iHP

When high-consequence biological threats emerge, absolute precision is required to protect public health. Among the most dangerous of these pathogens is the Ebola virus, an enveloped filovirus capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fever.

Controlling an outbreak requires a multi-pronged strategy involving strict isolation, specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), and immediate decontamination of the physical environment. SteraMist provides vital infection prevention support during these emergencies, drawing on a legacy of military-grade innovation and global field experience.

SteraMist History: A Technology Born in Defense

SteraMist emerged from a specialized defense grant associated with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. Engineers originally designed the technology to neutralize weaponized anthrax attacks and other Tier-1 biological threats.

This innovation transitioned into the healthcare sector to improve how industries fight infectious diseases. The process passes a 7.8% hydrogen peroxide solution through a cold plasma arc, creating ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP). This fine mist behaves like a gas, spreading across surfaces to kill pathogens on contact via cellular oxidation.

The 2015 WHO & USAID Grand Challenge Ebola Deployment

In 2015, TOMI Environmental Solutions won a grant as part of the USAID “Fighting Ebola: A Grand Challenge for Development” in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). This grant funded the deployment of SteraMist technology directly to Africa.

Teams utilized the system to secure high-risk “red zones” and safeguard healthcare personnel during the critical donning and doffing of protective gear. This application successfully prevented cross-contamination in the field, establishing SteraMist as a trusted partner in global health security.

Mobilizing Disinfection Against Modern Threats

The battle against emerging infectious diseases remains a vital priority. TOMI Environmental Solutions is currently mobilizing SteraMist iHP technology in response to recent reported outbreaks.

Our team actively collaborates with Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) and specialized medical transportation groups. These partnerships ensure that frontline workers have access to the fastest and most effective decontamination technology available to mitigate the risk of transmission.

The SteraMist Advantage: Ready for Future Challenges

Active outbreak responses require rapid turnaround times to keep healthcare infrastructure operational. SteraMist optimizes these timelines for first responders and transport organizations:

  • Operational Readiness: The application decontaminates emergency ambulances and aircraft rapidly, returning them to service within minutes.
  • Material Compatibility: The solution breaks down into simple water vapor and oxygen, protecting sensitive electronics and leaving surfaces dry without caustic residues.
  • Validated Efficacy: SteraMist delivers a consistent six-log (99.9999%) kill rate against resilient microbial surrogates.

SteraMist delivers terminal disinfection that protects lives while preserving equipment and valuable time. By supporting a nationwide network of RESPTCs, TOMI provides the essential infrastructure required to isolate and treat patients safely. Our ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that clinical and public spaces remain secure against emerging viral threats.

Contact us today to implement SteraMist iHP technology for rapid, validated Ebola decontamination and protect your critical environments. Click here ➔