How long does norovirus live on surfaces
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Norovirus Persistence on Surfaces: Duration and Implications
Norovirus Survival on Various Surfaces
Hard Surfaces: Stainless Steel, Plastic, and Ceramic
Norovirus can persist on hard surfaces such as stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic for extended periods. Studies have shown that norovirus can remain viable on these surfaces for up to 42 days, with a gradual reduction in viral concentration over time 156. Specifically, infectious norovirus was detectable for up to 7 days at room temperature, with a significant reduction in viral titers observed over the course of the study . The virus's resilience on these surfaces underscores the importance of regular and thorough cleaning, especially in environments like hospitals and food processing facilities.
Soft Surfaces: Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
Norovirus also shows considerable persistence on soft surfaces such as carpets. Research indicates that norovirus surrogates like feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV) can survive on carpet fibers for up to 15 days, depending on the relative humidity and type of carpet . Wool carpets, in particular, provided a more hospitable environment for the virus compared to nylon carpets, highlighting the need for targeted disinfection strategies for different types of materials.
Food Contact Surfaces
On food contact surfaces, norovirus can remain infectious for several weeks. For instance, the virus was detectable on stainless steel and plastic surfaces for up to 70 days at lower temperatures (7°C), with a gradual decline in viral titers . This long-term persistence on food contact surfaces poses a significant risk for cross-contamination during food preparation and handling.
Factors Influencing Norovirus Persistence
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity play crucial roles in the survival of norovirus on surfaces. Lower temperatures (around 7°C) significantly enhance the virus's stability, allowing it to remain infectious for longer periods compared to room temperature conditions . Additionally, lower relative humidity (30%) was found to be more conducive to the virus's survival on carpets compared to higher humidity levels (70%) .
Organic Load
The presence of organic material, such as simulated gastric fluid, can also impact the virus's persistence. Norovirus was found to be highly stable and resistant to disinfectants when an organic load was present, maintaining high titers for up to 30 days on commonly touched airplane cabin surfaces . This finding suggests that environments with organic contamination require more rigorous cleaning protocols to effectively reduce viral load.
Implications for Public Health and Safety
Cleaning and Disinfection
Given the resilience of norovirus on various surfaces, effective cleaning and disinfection are critical. While some disinfectants, such as chlorine-based solutions, have been shown to inactivate norovirus, others like hydrogen peroxide and ethanol-based disinfectants are less effective . Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces, especially in public and healthcare settings, is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.
Food Safety
In the context of food safety, the persistence of norovirus on food contact surfaces and food items like lettuce and deli meats highlights the need for stringent hygiene practices. Proper washing of produce and thorough cooking of food can help reduce the risk of norovirus contamination 16.
Conclusion
Norovirus's ability to persist on various surfaces for extended periods poses significant challenges for infection control and public health. Understanding the factors that influence its survival can inform better cleaning and disinfection practices, ultimately helping to mitigate the spread of this highly contagious virus. Regular and thorough cleaning, especially in environments prone to contamination, is crucial to reducing the risk of norovirus transmission.
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