Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on public surfaces in a densely populated urban area of Brazil

Abstract

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more than 3.5 million cases and 245 thousand deaths worldwide as of May 6, 2020. Determining the extent of the presence of the virus on public surfaces is critical for understanding the potential risk of infection in these areas. Objective: To evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on public surfaces in a densely populated urban area in Brazil. Design and Setting: A total of 101 samples were collected from different surfaces in public places in the region of Belo Horizonte with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. Samples were collected near the hospital and public transportation areas using sterile swabs, and then submitted to nucleic acid extraction and genomic detection and quantification by one-step qPCR. Results: Seventeen of the 101 samples tested positive (16.8%) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including samples from bus stations/terminals, public squares, and sidewalks, including those near hospitals. Conclusions and Relevance: Our data indicated the contamination of public surfaces by SARS-CoV-2, especially near hospital areas, highlighting the risk of infection for the population. Constant monitoring of the virus in urban areas is required as a strategy to fight the pandemic and prevent further infections.

A Systematic Review of Surface Contamination, Stability, and Disinfection Data on SARS-CoV-2 (Through July 10, 2020)

“…In total, 11 countries were represented in this data along with the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship, which at the time of study was docked in Japan. 48 T h e r e w e r e 1 5 s t u d i e s i n China, 20,22,23,27,28,31,35,37,38,41,42,47,49,50,53 6 studies in Singapore, [32][33][34]36,44,46 4 studies in South Korea, 25,26,39,40 2 studies in Italy, 24,29 and 1 study each in Ireland, 21 Japan 30 (not including the Diamond Princess), Canada, 43 Germany, 45 Spain, 51 Brazil, 52 and one study which tested locations in the United States, Spain, Belgium, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. 54 In analysis, studies were grouped by setting: 25 (71%) studies collected data from healthcare settings; 20−44 two studies (6%) collected data from households of COVID-19 patients; 45,46 five studies (14%) collected data from nonhousehold accommodations where COVID-19 positive persons had been present; 40,46−49 and five studies (14%) collected data from other shared spaces such as laboratories, workplaces, and outdoor areas.…”

Revisión rápida: evidencia de transmisión por Covid-19 e infecciones respiratorias agudas similares en espacios públicos abiertos

“…Con respecto a fómites, en los estudios revisados se observó que el virus SARS-CoV-2 podría estar presente en superficies públicas como paradas de autobús, plazas públicas y banquetas, principalmente afuera de los hospitales. 29 Actualmente se desconoce si los fómites son un mecanismo de transmisión de Covid-19 y también la eficacia de las medidas de desinfección para evitar el contagio fuera del ambiente hospitalario. La OMS no recomienda la desinfección de banquetas, pasillos o mercados al aire libre ya que no se consideran rutas de infección.…”

“…Se encontró que 16.8% de las muestras fueron positivas y la proporción de áreas contaminadas alrededor de hospitales fue mayor, lo que sugiere que las áreas alrededor de los hospitales podrían ser zonas de riesgo de contagio. 29…”

Revisión rápida de la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 por contacto con objetos y superficies

“…La probabilidad de presencia viral fue mayor en espacios públicos cercanos a los hospitales. 18 Este estudio apoya la posibilidad de contaminación viral en espacios públicos no hospitalarios, de aquí la importancia del lavado de manos constante, salud pública de méxico / vol. 63, no.…”