Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Households of Persons with COVID-19

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Tair Kiphibane¹  Geun Woo Park²  Almea Matanock²  Alicia M. Fry²  Lindsey M. Duca²  Perrine Marcenac²  Azaibi Tamin²  Leslie Barclay²  Aron J. Hall²  Eric Pevzner²  Hannah L. Kirking²  Jennifer L. Harcourt²  Nathaniel M. Lewis²  Jared Rispens²  Jacqueline E. Tate²  Natalie J. Thornburg²  Lucia C. Pawloski²  Elizabeth A. Dietrich²  Jan Vinjé²  Kimberly Christensen³ 

[1] Salt Lake County Health Department, 610 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA;U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;Utah Department of Health, 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA;

关键词: SARS-CoV-2;    fomite transmission;    household transmission;    prevention;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18158184

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

SARS-CoV-2 transmission from contaminated surfaces, or fomites, has been a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Households have been important sites of transmission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is limited information on SARS-CoV-2 contamination of surfaces in these settings. We describe environmental detection of SARS-CoV-2 in households of persons with COVID-19 to better characterize the potential risks of fomite transmission. Ten households with ≥1 person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and with ≥2 members total were enrolled in Utah, U.S.A. Nasopharyngeal and anterior nasal swabs were collected from members and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Fifteen surfaces were sampled in each household and tested for presence and viability of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 23 (15%) of 150 environmental swab samples, most frequently on nightstands (4/6; 67%), pillows (4/23; 17%), and light switches (3/21; 14%). Viable SARS-CoV-2 was cultured from one sample. All households with SARS-CoV-2-positive surfaces had ≥1 person who first tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 ≤ 6 days prior to environmental sampling. SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination occurred early in the course of infection when respiratory transmission is most likely, notably on surfaces in close, prolonged contact with persons with COVID-19. While fomite transmission might be possible, risk is low.

【 授权许可】

Unknown