Evidence of surface contamination in hospital rooms occupied by patients infected with monkeypox, Germany, June 2022

Abstract

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.

Air and surface sampling for monkeypox virus in UK hospitals

“…Previous investigations of surface contamination in a domestic setting and in two hospital rooms occupied by infected symptomatic individuals have demonstrated a high frequency of MPX viral DNA detection and isolation of virus. 14,17 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that detection of MPXV (DNA and virus by isolation) in environmental air samples from healthcare settings has been reported, for any clade of MPXV. Detection of MPXV DNA in air samples collected at distances of greater than 1•5m from the patient and at a height of nearly 2m supports the theory that MPXV can be present in either aerosols, suspended skin particles or dust containing virus, and not only in large respiratory droplets that fall to the ground within 1 to 1•5m of an infected individual.…”

“…Previous investigations of surface contamination in a domestic setting and in two hospital rooms occupied by infected symptomatic individuals have demonstrated a high frequency of MPX viral DNA detection and isolation of virus. 14,17…”

“…13 Widespread surface contamination in hospital rooms occupied by two patients with MPXV infection has recently been reported. 14…”

“…13 Widespread surface contamination in hospital rooms occupied by two patients with MPXV infection has recently been reported. 14 The outbreaks occurring in higher resource settings in 2022 provide opportunities to investigate the extent of environmental contamination in symptomatic patient rooms within the airborne isolation units of NHS England's High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) Network, to inform practice around isolation, personal protective equipment, decontamination protocols and public health management of community exposures. There is also an opportunity to investigate whether aerosol transmission risks occur, and whether certain activities -such as changing bedding -increase the risk of exposure.…”

Advancing surgical setting: A paradigm for healthcare workers during the monkeypox outbreak

“…A study conducted in Germany provided evidence of surface contamination in hospital rooms, stating the importance of protection measures against the monkeypox virus. Healthcare providers must apply personal protective equipment (PPE) while regularly disinfecting the frequent contact spots on the body surface, double gloving, and proper hygiene of the hands, in addition to disinfection of the possibly contaminated surfaces [ 10 ]. Avoiding direct contact with skin lesions or objects used by the patient, such as clothes, bedding, and towels is necessary for decreasing the risk of infection.…”