Detection of Measles Virus RNA in Air and Surface Specimens in a Hospital Setting

Tuesday, 3rd of November 2015 Print

Journal of Infectious Diseasesjid.oxfordjournals.org

J Infect Dis. (2015) doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiv465 First published online: September 19 2015

Detection of Measles Virus RNA in Air and Surface Specimens in a Hospital Setting

Werner E. Bischoff Rebecca. McNall Maria W. Blevins JoLyn Turner Elena N. Lopareva Paul A. Rota and John R. Stehle Jr

Presented in part: ID Week Philadelphia Pennsylvania October 2014. Abstract 1221.

Abstract

Measles virus (MeV) is known to be highly contagious with an infectious period lasting from 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset. An unvaccinated young female patient with measles confirmed by direct epidemiologic link was hospitalized on day 5 after rash onset. Environmental samples were collected over the 4-day period of hospitalization in a single room. MeV RNA was detectable in air specimens on surface specimens and on respirators on days 5–8 after rash onset. This is the first report of environmental surveillance for MeV and the results suggest that MeV-infected fomites may be present in healthcare settings. 

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