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Correspondence: Susanne Pfefferle (s.pfefferle@uke.de) Citation style for this article: Pfefferle Susanne , Reucher Svenja , Nörz Dominic , Lütgehetmann Marc . Evaluation of a quantitative RT-PCR assay for the detection of the emerging coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using a high throughput system. Euro Surveill. 2020;25(9):pii=2000152. https://doi.

The extent of monkeypox virus environmental contamination of surfaces is unclear. We examined surfaces in rooms occupied by two monkeypox patients on their fourth hospitalisation day. Contamination with up to 105 viral copies/cm2 on inanimate surfaces was estimated by PCR and the virus was successfully isolated from surfaces with more than 106 copies. These data highlight the importance of strict adherence of hospital staff to recommended protective measures. If appropriate, pre-exposure or early post-exposure vaccination should be considered for individuals at risk.