BACKGROUNDS: Influenza virus can survive on some surfaces, facilitating indirect person-to-person transmission. METHODS: We collected swab samples weekly from commonly touched surfaces in 7 kindergartens and primary schools during the 2017/2018 winter influenza season in Hong Kong. RESULTS: We detected influenza virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) in 12 of 1352 samples (<1%) collected from 7 of 11 classrooms (5 to 2 × 106 RNA copies/mL). Viral RNA was more frequently recovered from communal items inside classrooms such as bookshelves and doorknobs. CONCLUSIONS: Surface contamination indicates the potential role of fomites in influenza virus transmission in schools. Communal items inside classrooms may cause greater potential risks of transmission during influenza epidemics.
BACKGROUNDS: Influenza virus can survive on some surfaces, facilitating indirect person-to-person transmission. METHODS: We collected swab samples weekly from commonly touched surfaces in 7 kindergartens and primary schools during the 2017/2018 winter influenza season in Hong Kong. RESULTS: We detected influenza virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) in 12 of 1352 samples (<1%) collected from 7 of 11 classrooms (5 to 2 × 106 RNA copies/mL). Viral RNA was more frequently recovered from communal items inside classrooms such as bookshelves and doorknobs. CONCLUSIONS: Surface contamination indicates the potential role of fomites in influenza virus transmission in schools. Communal items inside classrooms may cause greater potential risks of transmission during influenza epidemics.
Authors: Jennifer L Cadnum; Daniel F Li; Lucas D Jones; Sarah N Redmond; Basya Pearlmutter; Brigid M Wilson; Curtis J Donskey Journal: Pathog Immun Date: 2020-05-22
Authors: Shuxuan Song; Qian Li; Li Shen; Minghao Sun; Zurong Yang; Nuoya Wang; Jifeng Liu; Kun Liu; Zhongjun Shao Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-03-29
Authors: Jennifer L Cadnum; Annette L Jencson; Scott H Livingston; Daniel F Li; Sarah N Redmond; Basya Pearlmutter; Brigid M Wilson; Curtis J Donskey Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2020-06-06 Impact factor: 2.918