Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Is Rapidly Inactivated by Simulated Sunlight #MMPMID32525979
Schuit M; Ratnesar-Shumate S; Yolitz J; Williams G; Weaver W; Green B; Miller D; Krause M; Beck K; Wood S; Holland B; Bohannon J; Freeburger D; Hooper I; Biryukov J; Altamura LA; Wahl V; Hevey M; Dabisch P
J Infect Dis 2020[Jul]; 222 (4): 564-571 PMID32525979show ga
Aerosols represent a potential transmission route of COVID-19. This study examined effect of simulated sunlight, relative humidity, and suspension matrix on stability of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols. Simulated sunlight and matrix significantly affected decay rate of the virus. Relative humidity alone did not affect the decay rate; however, minor interactions between relative humidity and other factors were observed. Mean decay rates (+/- SD) in simulated saliva, under simulated sunlight levels representative of late winter/early fall and summer were 0.121 +/- 0.017 min-1 (90% loss, 19 minutes) and 0.306 +/- 0.097 min-1 (90% loss, 8 minutes), respectively. Mean decay rate without simulated sunlight across all relative humidity levels was 0.008 +/- 0.011 min-1 (90% loss, 286 minutes). These results suggest that the potential for aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may be dependent on environmental conditions, particularly sunlight. These data may be useful to inform mitigation strategies to minimize the potential for aerosol transmission.
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J+Infect+Dis 2020 ; 222 (4): 564-571
