How long can norovirus live on surfaces
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Norovirus Persistence on Surfaces: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Norovirus Persistence
Norovirus, a highly contagious virus responsible for acute gastroenteritis, is known for its resilience and ability to persist on various surfaces. Understanding the duration of norovirus survival on surfaces is crucial for developing effective cleaning and disinfection protocols, especially in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and food preparation areas.
Norovirus Survival on Hard Surfaces
Stainless Steel and Plastic
Studies have shown that norovirus can persist on nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic for extended periods. Infectious norovirus and its surrogates, feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV), have been detected on these surfaces for up to 70 days at room temperature, with a gradual reduction in viral titers over time. At lower temperatures (7°C), the viruses were even more stable, with MNV showing the highest persistence.
Food Contact Surfaces
Norovirus can also survive on food contact surfaces like Formica and ceramic. The virus has been shown to persist on these surfaces with minimal reduction in viral load for up to 42 days. This resilience underscores the importance of rigorous cleaning protocols in food preparation environments to prevent cross-contamination.
Norovirus Survival on Soft Surfaces
Carpets
Carpets present a unique challenge for norovirus control. Research indicates that norovirus surrogates can survive on carpet fibers for up to 60 days, with survival rates influenced by the type of carpet and relative humidity. Wool carpets, in particular, provided a more hospitable environment for virus survival compared to nylon carpets.
Norovirus Survival on Uncommon Fomites
Electronic Devices and Brass
Norovirus can also persist on less common fomites such as computer mice, keyboards, and telephone buttons. FCV, a surrogate for norovirus, has been shown to survive on these surfaces for up to 3 days, with the duration of survival varying by surface type. Brass surfaces, representing door handles and faucets, showed a shorter survival time of 8 to 12 hours.
Factors Influencing Norovirus Persistence
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity significantly affect norovirus survival. Lower temperatures generally enhance virus stability, while higher relative humidity can reduce survival times . For instance, at 21°C, norovirus showed a significant reduction in viability on stainless steel after 14 days, but at 4°C, the virus remained stable for much longer.
Organic Load
The presence of organic material, such as simulated gastric fluid, can also impact norovirus persistence. On airplane cabin surfaces, norovirus was detected at high titers for up to 30 days when organic load was present, highlighting the virus's resilience in soiled environments.
Conclusion
Norovirus's ability to persist on various surfaces for extended periods poses significant challenges for infection control. Effective disinfection protocols must consider the type of surface, environmental conditions, and the presence of organic material to mitigate the risk of norovirus transmission. Regular cleaning and targeted disinfection, especially in high-risk areas, are essential to control the spread of this tenacious virus.
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