Evidence of surface contamination in hospital rooms occupied by patients infected with monkeypox, Germany, June 2022

The extent of monkeypox virus environmental contamination of surfaces is unclear. We examined surfaces in rooms occupied by two monkeypox patients on their fourth hospitalisation day. Contamination with up to 10(5)viral copies/cm(2) on inanimate surfaces was estimated by PCR and the virus was successfully isolated from surfaces with more than 106 copies. These data highlight the importance of strict adherence of hospital staff to recommended protective measures. If appropriate, pre-exposure or early post-exposure vaccination should be considered for individuals at risk.

Automated summary

The study investigated the environmental contamination of monkeypox virus on surfaces in hospital rooms occupied by patients. High concentrations of viral copies were detected on inanimate surfaces and the virus was successfully isolated from these surfaces. These findings emphasize the importance of strict adherence to protective measures by hospital staff and suggest pre-exposure or early post-exposure vaccination for individuals at risk.