Air and Environmental Contamination Caused by COVID-19 Patients: a MultiCenter Study
10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e332
- Author:
Uh Jin KIM
1
;
Seung Yeob LEE
;
Ji Yeon LEE
;
Ahrang LEE
;
Seung Eun KIM
;
Ok-Ja CHOI
;
Ji Suk LEE
;
Seung-Jung KEE
;
Hee-Chang JANG
Author Information
1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2020;35(37):e332-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:0
-
Abstract:
Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of air and surface contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in four health care facilities with hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
Methods:We investigated air and environmental contamination in the rooms of eight COVID-19 patients in four hospitals. Some patients were in negative-pressure rooms, and others were not. None had undergone aerosol-generating procedures. On days 0, 3, 5, and 7 of hospitalization, the surfaces in the rooms and anterooms were swabbed, and air samples were collected 2 m from the patient and from the anterooms.
Results:All 52 air samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Widespread surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed. In total, 89 of 320 (27%) environmental surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Surface contamination of SARSCoV-2 RNA was common in rooms without surface disinfection and in rooms sprayed with disinfectant twice a day. However, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in a room cleaned with disinfectant wipes on a regular basis.
Conclusion:Our data suggest that remote (> 2 m) airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from hospitalized COVID-19 patients is uncommon when aerosol-generating procedures have not been performed. Surface contamination was widespread, except in a room routinely cleaned with disinfectant wipes.
