Chinese Scientists: Coronavirus Can Be Transmitted Through Feces

Chinese scientists: Coronavirus can be transmitted through feces

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can maintain vitality in human stool. This means that there is a high risk of transmission by the faecal-oral route.

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The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable in human stools, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of China said in a report, LiveScience reported. This means that there is a high risk of transmission by the faecal-oral route.

Scientists believe that transmission of the virus only by airborne droplets cannot be fully responsible for all cases of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19.

“There are many transmission routes for this virus, which may partly explain its massive transmission and speed of spread,” the report said.

In this regard, the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces, maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and boiling water before drinking.

Earlier in another study, scientists were able to detect the new coronavirus in a patient's blood and in anal swabs. But this work did not prove that it could be kept alive in feces and therefore was weak evidence of its fecal-oral spread.