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In-hospital environmental surface and air contamination by monkeypox virus clade Ib in Germany
Andreas F Wendel1, Frauke Mattner1, Daniel Peter1
1Division of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Department of Human Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany; Institute of Hygiene, Cologne Merheim Medical Centre, University Hospital of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne, Germany.
Mpox virus DNA contaminates surfaces and air in patient rooms, indicating potential fomite transmission. Environmental cleaning is crucial, though infectious virus was rarely found, highlighting the need for further transmission risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
- Virology
Background:
- Mpox (monkeypox virus, MPXV) poses a global health threat due to human-to-human transmission.
- Emerging MPXV clade Ib has caused sporadic cases in Europe, necessitating investigation into transmission routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate environmental contamination and potential indirect/airborne transmission of MPXV.
- To analyze environmental samples from the first German imported mpox clade Ib case.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal environmental sampling in an isolation room over eight days.
- Collection of surface and air samples, including HEPA and air purifier filters.
- MPXV DNA detection via PCR and virus culture for infectiousness assessment.
Main Results:
- Widespread MPXV DNA contamination detected on surfaces (92/100) and in air (11/12 samples).
- MPXV DNA found on analyzed air filters and dust.
- Replication-competent MPXV identified only on a toilet seat on day one.
Conclusions:
- Significant MPXV DNA contamination in patient environments suggests infectious fomites.
- Further research is needed to correlate DNA contamination with actual transmission risk.
- Findings emphasize the importance of environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols for mpox control.
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