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
Abstract
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.
Topics & Concepts
SputumMucusRespiratory systemSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)CoronavirusVirologyVirusHumidityCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MicrobiologyImmunologyBiologyMedicineInternal medicinePathologyTuberculosisInfectious disease (medical specialty)EcologyDiseasePhysicsThermodynamicsSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchSARS-CoV-2 detection and testingCOVID-19 epidemiological studies