Routes of Transmission of SARS CoV-2 through Aquatic Environment in Developing Countries

ABSTRACT

All continents across the world are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, even though some continents such as Africa witnessed a dramatic impact due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) than the others. Respiratory viruses spread from an infected individual to vulnerable people i) by contact counting coordinated person-to-person transfer of infectious secretions and indirect transfer of discharges through fomites, ii) by the ballistic spray of large droplets delivered amid coughing and sneezing (short-range transmission) and iii) by inhalation of small airborne droplets or aerosol (long-range transmission). The objective of this study was to make an overview of the route of transmission of SARS-CoV 2 especially if there is a role for water and food in virus transmission. Also, the role of water systems, and management in controlling viral frequency in developing countries. WASH is commonly known as water, sanitation, and hygiene which is currently in critical condition due to the poor sanitation systems and improper sewage disposal. These poor WASH conditions are considered one of the routes to the transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa. Generally, the unhygienic conditions, and inadequate sanitary and sewage systems cause a lot of disease outbreaks. Africa is in big need of managed wastewater treatment facilities efficiently and on the other hand, separating the sewage system and wastewater treatment facilities of healthcare centers from urban systems or treating on-site to ensure the viral removal during disinfection must be made. Also, efficient methods to eliminate face masks must be taken into consideration. © 2022, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.