
Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Mpox DNA and Live Virus Found in Patient Rooms!
2025-05-16
Author: Jia
Revealing New Findings on Mpox Contamination
A groundbreaking study from UK hospitals has uncovered alarming insights into the mpox virus (MPXV) clade 1b. This research revealed that a staggering 73% of surface samples and 7% of air samples collected from infected patients' rooms tested positive for mpox DNA, with live virus present in 19% of surface samples subjected to isolation.
How the Study Was Conducted
The investigation, led by experts at the UK Health Security Agency, focused on patients admitted between October 2024 and January 2025. The team sampled seven rooms dedicated to high-consequence airborne infectious diseases and found that while the virus primarily spreads through intimate contact, it can also linger on contaminated surfaces.
Diverse Patient Profiles and Their Impact
Among the seven patients surveyed—mostly men aged 60 and younger—four had traveled to areas endemic for clade 1b MPXV, while three contracted the virus through household transmission in the UK. Interestingly, swabs from mildly ill patients often showed low levels of the virus.
Key Findings from Room Samples
The extensive sampling during or shortly after patients occupied the rooms revealed that even with rigorous cleaning protocols in place, surfaces like bathroom taps, shower handles, and toilet flushes were significantly contaminated with MPXV DNA. Notably, rooms occupied by patients with moderate to severe infections showed higher viral levels compared to those with milder cases.
A Call for Urgent Infection Control Measures
The study highlighted that across 21 samples attempting viral isolation, infectious virus was found in four cases, raising serious concerns about potential onward transmission. Although air samples yielded minimal viral detection, the presence of viable virus on surfaces underscores the urgent need for effective infection prevention and control measures in environments dealing with mpox patients.
What This Means for Public Health
As the findings indicate that mpox patients significantly contaminate their surroundings, public health officials are urged to develop stringent protocols to minimize transmission risks. Although the exact risk level remains undetermined, the research supports a clear mandate for enhanced cleaning and safety practices in clinical settings.
The urgency of these findings cannot be overstated—our health systems must be prepared to tackle the contagion potential of mpox on multiple fronts.