Emerging Infectious Diseases (Sep 2020)
Effect of Environmental Conditions on SARS-CoV-2 Stability in Human Nasal Mucus and Sputum
Abstract
We found that environmental conditions affect the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in nasal mucus and sputum. The virus is more stable at low-temperature and low-humidity conditions, whereas warmer temperature and higher humidity shortened half-life. Although infectious virus was undetectable after 48 hours, viral RNA remained detectable for 7 days.
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