First Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 on the Surfaces of Tourist-Recreational Facilities in Italy

Maria Teresa Montagna, Osvalda De Giglio, Carla Calia, Chrysovalentinos Pousis, Francesca Apollonio, Carmen Campanale, Giusy Diella, Marco Lopuzzo, Angelo Marzella, Francesco Triggiano, Vincenzo Marcotrigiano, Domenico Pio Sorrenti, Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti, Pantaleo Magarelli and Giuseppina Caggiano
Additional contact information
Maria Teresa Montagna: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Osvalda De Giglio: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Carla Calia: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Chrysovalentinos Pousis: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Francesca Apollonio: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Carmen Campanale: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Giusy Diella: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Marco Lopuzzo: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Angelo Marzella: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Francesco Triggiano: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
Vincenzo Marcotrigiano: Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Local Health Unit BT, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy
Domenico Pio Sorrenti: Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Local Health Unit BT, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy
Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti: Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Local Health Unit BT, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy
Pantaleo Magarelli: Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Local Health Unit BT, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy
Giuseppina Caggiano: Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-6

Abstract: A Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by a new virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spreads via direct contact through droplets produced by infected individuals. The transmission of this virus can also occur via indirect contact if objects and surfaces are contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. Environmental contamination with SARS-CoV-2 is high in hospital settings; on the contrary, surface contamination in non-healthcare settings is still poorly studied. In this study, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of 20 tourist-recreational facilities was investigated by performing a total of 100 swabs on surfaces, including refrigerator handles, handrails, counters, tables, and bathroom access doors. Six (6%) swabs from four (20%) tourist-recreational facilities tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; the surfaces that were involved were toilet door handles, refrigerator handles, handrails, and bar counters. This study highlights that SARS-CoV-2 is also present in non-healthcare environments; therefore, in order to limit this worrying pandemic, compliance with behavioral rules and the adoption of preventive and protective measures are of fundamental importance not only in healthcare or work environments but also in life environments.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; tourist-recreational facilities; respiratory infections; environment; surface (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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