title: Detection of Measles Virus RNA in Air and Surface Specimens in a Hospital Setting.
abstract: Measles virus (MeV) is known to be highly contagious, with an infectious period lasting from 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset. An unvaccinated, young, female patient with measles confirmed by direct epidemiologic link was hospitalized on day 5 after rash onset. Environmental samples were collected over the 4-day period of hospitalization in a single room. MeV RNA was detectable in air specimens, on surface specimens, and on respirators on days 5-8 after rash onset. This is the first report of environmental surveillance for MeV, and the results suggest that MeV-infected fomites may be present in healthcare settings.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Werner E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Bischoff
authors.affiliation: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Herpesviruses Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: McNall
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Maria W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Blevins
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: JoLyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.affiliation: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Herpesviruses Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Elena N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Lopareva
authors.affiliation: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Herpesviruses Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rota
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Stehle
mesh_terms: D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005260:Female; D050456:Fomites / Q000821:virology*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008459:Measles virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral
keywords: aerosol; exposure; infection prevention; infectious period; measles; transmission