Mpox is still spreading globally and is mostly reported to be transmitted by skin and mucosal contact. However, transmission through contact with fomites, contaminated objects, or surfaces has been reported in general population. Evaluation of the stability of mpox virus (MPXV) on different surfaces is important to minimize mpox transmission. In the study, the stability of MPXV on different kinds of commonly contacted surfaces was determined. MPXV was observed to have a surface-dependent stability pattern. Viable virus was detected on both glass and stainless steel for up to 5 days, and on plastic surfaces for up to 3 days. In contrast, no viable MPXV was detected on wooden board and cardboard, which are porous and water-absorbent surfaces, after 1 and 2 days of incubation, respectively. In addition, MPXV nucleic acids were more stable and showed better correlation with viral titers on stainless steel, plastic, and glass. The results indicate that fomite transmission of MPXV is plausible. Moreover, the stability of MPXV was highly surface-dependent and more stable on smooth surfaces, which could provide more information for minimizing the transmission of mpox and emphasize the significance of environmental disinfection in mpox prevention and control.
Keywords: mpox; mpox virus; stability; surface; transmission.
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