Stability of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) under different environmental conditions

Euro Surveill. 2013 Sep 19;18(38):20590. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2013.18.38.20590.

Abstract

The stability of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was determined at 20°C--40% relative humidity (RH); 30°C--30% RH and 30°C--80% RH. MERS-CoV was more stable at low temperature/low humidity conditions and could still be recovered after 48 hours. During aerosolisation of MERS-CoV, no decrease in stability was observed at 20°C--40% RH. These data suggest the potential of MERS-CoV to be transmitted via contact or fomite transmission due to prolonged environmental presence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Coronavirus / growth & development*
  • Coronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology*
  • Humans
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / virology*
  • Temperature*