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Evidence of Air and Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a Major Hospital in Portugal

Author

Listed:
  • Priscilla Gomes da Silva

    (ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
    LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • José Gonçalves

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
    Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Ariana Isabel Brito Lopes

    (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Nury Alves Esteves

    (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Gustavo Emanuel Enes Bamba

    (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Maria São José Nascimento

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • Pedro T. B. S. Branco

    (LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Ruben R. G. Soares

    (Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Sofia I. V. Sousa

    (LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • João R. Mesquita

    (ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

As the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Portugal, it forced the country to reintroduce lockdown measures due to hospitals reaching their full capacities. Under these circumstances, environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in different areas of one of Portugal’s major Hospitals was assessed between 21 January and 11 February 2021. Air samples ( n = 44) were collected from eleven different areas of the Hospital (four COVID-19 and seven non-COVID-19 areas) using Coriolis ® μ and Coriolis ® Compact cyclone air sampling devices. Surface sampling was also performed ( n = 17) on four areas (one COVID-19 and three non-COVID-19 areas). RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR adapted for quantitative purposes were performed. Of the 44 air samples, two were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (6575 copies/m 3 and 6662.5 copies/m 3 , respectively). Of the 17 surface samples, three were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (200.6 copies/cm 2 , 179.2 copies/cm 2 , and 201.7 copies/cm 2 , respectively). SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination was found both in air and on surfaces in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. Moreover, our results suggest that longer collection sessions are needed to detect point contaminations. This reinforces the need to remain cautious at all times, not only when in close contact with infected individuals. Hand hygiene and other standard transmission-prevention guidelines should be continuously followed to avoid nosocomial COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Priscilla Gomes da Silva & José Gonçalves & Ariana Isabel Brito Lopes & Nury Alves Esteves & Gustavo Emanuel Enes Bamba & Maria São José Nascimento & Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Ruben R. G. Soares & Sofia, 2022. "Evidence of Air and Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a Major Hospital in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:1:p:525-:d:717163
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Priscilla Gomes da Silva & José Gonçalves & Andrés Torres Franco & Elisa Rodriguez & Israel Diaz & Antonio Orduña Domingo & Sonsoles Garcinuño Pérez & Gabriel Alberto March Roselló & Carlos Jesús Dueñ, 2023. "Environmental Dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 in a University Hospital during the COVID-19 5th Wave Delta Variant Peak in Castile-León, Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.

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