Human respiratory droplets are known to transmit the coronavirus, but it’s unclear whether droplets that remain airborne over time can spread infection. While that question remains open, new research shows how these aerosolized particles can be curbed in a healthcare setting.
Chinese investigators measured the concentration of airborne genetic material in two hospitals affected by the coronavirus outbreak in February and March. They found that room ventilation, open space, protective apparel sanitation, and proper toilet area disinfection effectively limited the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols.
Concentration of viral RNA in isolation rooms and ventilated patient rooms was very low, for example. But it was higher in patients’ toilet areas. It was undetectable in most public areas — except for two that were prone to heavy crowding. And while medical staff areas had high concentrations initially, these levels were reduced to undetectable after the areas were “rigorously” sanitized, the scientists reported.
Full findings were published in the journal Nature.
In other coronavirus news:
FDA: Companies must prove accuracy of coronavirus antibody tests: The Food and Drug Administration on Monday tightened rules for coronavirus antibody tests in response to a flood of fraudulent products entering the marketplace. The tests are used to detect whether a person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Test makers must prove their products’ effectiveness within ten days or risk being taken off the market, the agency stated. The proliferation of dubious products began when the agency loosened restrictions in mid-March, allowing companies to self-verify their research data.
Red fingers and toes, body rashes newly recognized as COVID-19 sign: Red, irritated spots on fingers and toes have been linked to COVID-19 in infected patients, according to dermatologists. These frostbite-like lesions appear to occur mainly in patients with mild cases of the virus, at least according to anecdotal evidence reported by a growing number of physicians. Skin specialists also report seeing body rashes connected to the virus.
Stroke clot-busters could help prevent severe lung injury, death in COVID-19 : A drug often used in emergency stroke treatment could be repurposed to tackle respiratory complications in patients with COVID-19, say researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Patients with the virus are at risk of forming dangerous blood clots in the lungs. Tissue plasminogen activator could help to break down clots that have already formed, helping to prevent severe lung injury and death, the researchers said.
FDA issues emergency use authorization for remdesivir to treat COVID-19: The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for the antiviral drug remdesivir in patients with “severe” cases of COVID-19, the agency announced on Friday. While remdesivir is still the subject of ongoing clinical trials, recent evidence shows that it may shorten the recovery time in some patients.
