As the never-ending outbreak of the coronavirus and its rampant spread continues, new possible ways of transmission are worrying experts. One of such new concern is with the wastewater of the drainage system. A recent study warns about the sewerage system that can pose a transmission risk of the nobel coronavirus.
The new article was published by Professor Richard Quilliam from the University of Stirling in the UK that takes the example of the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. It mentioned how asymptomatic patients can mostly add to the “widespread” of the virus through sewers by simply remaining at home.
The author has also found that the virus tends to behave differently around the aquatic environment and can remain viable for up to two weeks in the sewage system. He further highlights that the possible risk of spreading coronavirus through wastewater is more likely in countries with high levels of open defecation. Similarly, poor sewage system and sanitation system equally can aid to the widespread through wastewater.
“We know that COVID-10 can spread through droplets from cough and sneezes, or via objects or materials that carry infection. However, it has recently found in human faeces-up to 33 days after the patient has tested negative for the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. It is not known whether the virus can be transmitted via the faecal-oral route, however, we know that the viral shedding from the digestive system can last longer than shedding from the respiratory tract. Therefore, this could be an important but as yet unquantified-pathway for increased exposure,” explained Prof. Quilliam about his paper.
As in many parts of the world, water sources are still being used as open sewers and source of water for domestic use, this new finding arises more concern as earlier experts have confirmed the presence of coronavirus in human excreta. Although, there is very limited information on the environmental persistence of the COVID-19 virus, more in-depth research is required to analyse the changing nature of the contagious virus.
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