Investigating the Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the Surfaces, Fomites, and in Indoor Air of a Referral COVID-19 Hospital, Shiraz, Iran

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an immensely transmissible viral infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the indoor air, on the surfaces, and on the fomites of a COVID-19 referral hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, indoor air sampling was conducted utilizing a standard midget impinger containing 15 ml of viral transfer medium (VTM) equipped with a sampling pump with a flow rate of 10 L min-1 for 60 minutes. Surfaces and fomites were sampled using sterile polyester swabs. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was utilized to detect SARS-CoV-2. Results: The RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in about 41.2% indoor air and 32% swab samples. Four out of the six (66.7%) indoor air samples up to a distance of 2 meters from the patient's bed in intensive care units (ICU-1, ICU-3), accident and emergency (A&E-2), and negative pressure rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. All air samples within 2 to 5 meters of the patient's bed were negative. Conclusion: This study's results did not support the airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission;However, it showed contamination of surfaces and fomites in the studied hospital's wards. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.

A Case Report of Late-Onset Neonatal Meningitis Caused by SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: Central nervous system involvement by SARS-CoV-19 appears to be very rare in neonates. We report a case of viral meningitis in a neonate admitted to Kerman Afzalipour Hospital in Southeastern Iran. Case Presentation: The patient was a 15-day-old neonate who presented with lethargy, fever, and poor feeding the day before ad-mission. After the initial evaluation and experimental treatment, viral meningitis was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Empirical treatment was done with antibiotics and supportive care. After viral meningitis was confirmed, the antibiotics were discontinued. In a follow-up two weeks later, the neonate had a good condition with no particular problem. Conclusions: This report is a case of SARS-CoV-2 meningitis in a neonate. Therefore, if there is epidemiological evidence, the central nervous system involvement due to this virus should also be considered in neonates. © 2021, Author(s).