The invention provides an antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral polymeric material, comprising rayon fibers and a single antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral component consisting essentially of microscopic water insoluble particles of copper oxide incorporated in said fibers wherein a portion of said particles in said fibers are exposed and protruding from the surface of the fibers and wherein said particles release Cu++ when exposed to water or water vapor.