Mpox virus, also known as the Monkeypox virus, is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus classified within the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox infection causes a milder illness compared to smallpox, consisting of an influenza-like prodrome followed by a distinctive vesiculopustular rash. Although Mpox primarily spread through close human contact, it can also be transmitted from contaminated surfaces and via indoor air.
Research conducted at a UK hospital under the leadership of Professor Marieke Emonts-le Clercq, a consultant pediatrician and honorary senior clinical lecturer at Newcastle University, uncovered extensive surface contamination in patient rooms, on healthcare worker PPE after use, and in areas where PPE is removed. The study also analyzed 20 air samples, with 25% testing positive for the virus. Notably, 75% of the four air samples collected before and during a bedding change in a single patient’s room were positive, highlighting significant airborne contamination during these procedures.
The research highlights significant environmental contamination around monkeypox patients, with variable levels of viral DNA detected. This variation may stem from different clinical factors, patient behaviors, or cleaning practices. Notably, contamination of PPE and floors where PPE is removed was observed. The study is among the first to detect monkeypox virus DNA and viable virus in air samples, suggesting that procedures like bedding changes and cleaning may lead to re-aerosolization of the virus. These findings are crucial for public health and should guide policies to protect healthcare workers and minimize nosocomial transmission.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of stringent infection control measures in managing Mpox. The variable levels of contamination and the detection of viable virus in the air and on surfaces highlight the need for enhanced protocols in cleaning and handling procedures. To address these concerns, accurate and reliable testing for viral contamination is essential. At Cremco Lab, we offer specialized testing services for both viricidal surface and airborne contaminants. Our advanced testing methodologies are designed to detect and quantify viral presence on surfaces and in the air, providing critical data to inform cleaning protocols and infection control measures. By utilizing our testing services, healthcare facilities can ensure that their environments are properly assessed and managed, further safeguarding against the transmission of Mpox and other infectious agents.
Extracted from the essay “Air and Surface Sampling for Monkeypox Virus in a UK Hospital: an Observational Study” Written by Susan Gould et al
Published on Lancet Microbe Dec 2022
Source: Susan Gould, Barry Atkinson, Okechukwu Onianwa, Antony Spencer, Jenna Furneaux, James Grieves et al “Air and surface sampling for monkeypox virus in a UK hospital: an observational study” – Dec 2022, Volume 3, Issue 12