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From Brief19: More concerning findings regarding the aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2

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March 30, 2020

A not yet peer-reviewed manuscript from the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides evidence of viral contamination in commonly used items, toilet facilities and air samples. Researchers studied thirteen covid-19 patients who were housed in the National Biocontainment Unit and National Quarantine Unit. All rooms were “negative pressure” rooms, which draw air in but not back out. In the study, cell phones (83%) were identified as substantial sources of contamination. Other contaminated sources included glasses and stool samples from toilets (of which 81% were positive for SARS-Cov-2). But most concerning is that SARS-Cov-2 particles were found in the air even at distances greater than six feet from patients and were found in the ambient air even when patients who were not coughing. Nasal oxygen tubes (cannulas), a device commonly used in hospitals was found to distribute the highest airborne concentrations of SARS-Cov-2. Although these are preliminary findings from only thirteen patients held in isolation, it is concerning that the SARS-Cov-2 virus may be aerosolized even in mildly ill patients, and without the provocation of so-called aerosolizing procedures (such as suctioning) which cause viral particles to be carried, briefly, in droplets in the air. While it is uncertain still how much is “too much” of the virus for an individual to inhale come in contact with, this study underscores the need for healthcare providers to wear the appropriate PPE around patients under investigation and covid-19 positive patients.

Shared with permission from Brief19, a daily review of #covid-19 research and policy.

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