Effect of Environmental Conditions on SARS-CoV-2 Stability in Human Nasal Mucus and Sputum

Effect of Environmental Conditions on SARS-CoV-2 Stability in Human Nasal Mucus and Sputum

M. Jeremiah Matson, Claude Kwe Yinda, Stephanie N. Seifert, Trenton Bushmaker, Robert J. Fischer, Neeltje van Doremalen, James O. Lloyd-Smith, Vincent J. Munster

We found that environmental conditions affect the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in nasal mucus and sputum. The virus is more stable at low-temperature and low-humidity conditions, whereas warmer temperature and higher humidity shortened half-life. Although infectious virus was undetectable after 48 hours, viral RNA remained detectable for 7 days.

2020

Viruses, Respiratory Infections, covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, coronavirus disease

10.3201/eid2609.202267

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Medicine, Infectious and parasitic diseases