Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025

Swabbing the Urban Environment - A Pipeline for Sampling and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 From Environmental Reservoirs
Published on: April 9, 2021
Environmental surface surveillance during a COVID-19 outbreak in a school community: implications for controlling
José Cherem1, Ingrid Marciano Alvarenga1, Ana Laura Ramos Mendes Coelho1
1Núcleo de Pesquisa Biomédica, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil.
Abstract:
Environmental surface surveillance is a valuable tool for detecting and controlling infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via contaminated surfaces. However, few studies have evaluated environmental contamination in non-clinical settings during outbreaks. We conducted a study in a school community during a major outbreak, collecting 35 surface samples from high-traffic areas and testing them for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-qPCR. Our results showed that 31.4% of samples were positive, including high-touch surfaces such as drinking fountains and washbasins. These findings emphasize the importance of environmental monitoring to identify and address specific areas for attention, and implementing such strategies can help prevent the indirect transmission of COVID-19 in various settings.
Related Concept Videos
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Principles of Disease Surveillance
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...

