Journal article
SARS-CoV‑2 on Surfaces and HVAC Filters in Dormitory Rooms
Environmental science & technology letters, Vol.9(1), pp.71-76
01/11/2022
DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00892
Abstract
While there have been many studies of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in hospital patients’ rooms, less is known about the virus’ presence in nonhealthcare environments, which is where most transmission takes place. We investigated virus contamination in university dormitories housing students who were in quarantine or isolation. We collected surface swab samples and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters from 24 rooms that had been occupied by students who tested positive for COVID-19, and we measured viral RNA by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We detected viral RNA on or in 15/21 (71.4%) HVAC filters, 71/125 (56.8%) surface samples, and 4/6 (66.7%) bathroom exhaust grilles in the two dormitories combined. Viral RNA was present in all five types of surface samples, including sink handles, sink countertops, floors near the sink, door handles, and thermostat panels. Viral RNA levels on surfaces varied widely, from 10 to >104 gene copies per swabbed area of ∼10 cm × 10 cm. Additionally, we tested the infectivity of samples with a Ct value lower than 33, and none of them were positive. This information will be valuable for assessing the risk of airborne and fomite transmission of COVID-19.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- SARS-CoV‑2 on Surfaces and HVAC Filters in Dormitory Rooms
- Creators
- Jin Pan - Virginia TechSeth A Hawks - Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineAaron J Prussin - Virginia TechNisha K Duggal - Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary MedicineLinsey C Marr - Virginia Tech
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental science & technology letters, Vol.9(1), pp.71-76
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society
- DOI
- 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00892
- ISSN
- 2328-8930
- eISSN
- 2328-8930
- Number of pages
- 6
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/11/2022
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984787459602771
Metrics
1 Record Views