Researchers working on the Chinese coronavirus obviously know a lot about it. However, the survival time of the latter on different surfaces was not yet defined. In the absence of data on this new coronavirus, German scientists have made comparisons with the two other known coronaviruses that can affect humans, namely SARS and MERS.
On February 12, 2020, the latest assessment of the epidemic reports 44,794 confirmed cases for 1,112 deaths . For several weeks, experts have known that the Covid-19 coronavirus (formerly 2019-nCoV) is transmissible between humans and that the incubation period is generally 2 to 10 days. As for the mode of transmission in the form of droplets, it can be postillions from an infected person but also contact with contaminated surfaces or objects .
Researchers from Ruhr University (Germany) are behind a very interesting publication in the Journal of Hospital Infection dated February 6, 2020. This is a comprehensive list of known data on the persistence – and resistance to disinfectants – of many viruses on different types of inanimate surfaces. The list concerns the SARS and MERS coronaviruses but also the canine enteric coronavirus (CCV) or the gastroenteritis virus (TGEV).
Researchers did not have data on the novel coronavirus , quite simply because there is currently no measurement. Thus, the conclusions of said publication mainly result from a comparison with the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. Their persistence on many surfaces has been evaluated (paper, glass, plastic, etc.). However, the two are very similar . The researchers therefore concluded that the Covid-19 coronavirus could not be so different.
According to the results, the new coronavirus should, like its peers, persist on average between 4 and 5 days . In addition, the resistance decreases significantly at temperatures above 30°C. On the contrary, lower temperatures favor its persistence, which can last up to nine days. However, this is a persistence considered weak compared to other viruses that can last more than two months.
We sometimes tend to forget that there is no suitable treatment for coronavirus yet. Thus, the only solution seems to prevent it from spreading by contacting the organization. In a hospital, it can persist on door handles, bedside tables or even call buttons. Clearly, this is the case for any object located near patients.
Finally, some data regarding agent types biocides (disinfectants) have been published. According to the results, ethanol-based agents , sodium hypochlorite or even hydrogen peroxide seem to be the most effective. These can reduce the number of pathogenic particles to just 100 on a given surface (instead of a million).
Source
Related Articles:
