key: cord-0868714-adsgiizl
authors: Zhang, Ze; Zhang, Lichao; Wang, Yanqiao
title: COVID‐19 indirect contact transmission through the oral mucosa must not be ignored
date: 2020-05-10
journal: J Oral Pathol Med
DOI: 10.1111/jop.13019
sha: fd1f8c8c4f729fcef6a6896f621dcd48b46f0edb
doc_id: 868714
cord_uid: adsgiizl

BACKGROUND Coronavirus (CoV) is the single stranded sense RNA virus that has been known so far with the largest genomic capacity and plenty of natural hosts. In the past dozens of years, SARS-CoV under the branch of the new evolutionary tree has threatens greatly global public health and the severe acute respiratory syndrome new coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in China could cause fatal pathological lesions. Especially in areas with poor medical care, neglect of indirect transmission can cause more serious consequences. METHODS First of all, with reference to SARS-CoV and other relevant studies, the possibility of virus residues on the surface of multiple media is discussed. Further, it is found that the surface residue of this substance may be an important factor in iatrogenic infection. RESULTS This correspondence could point out the direction to study the pathomechanism of COVID-19 infecting human beings. CONCLUSIONS Mucosa exposure and inappropriate treatment of medical and non-medical articles used by the patients all could increase the risks of COVID-19 transmission.

Recently, The Lancet has reported the epidemiology, symptoms and treatment methods of the infected patients of coronavirus infected disease-19 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. 1 As general surgeons, our team thought that the fact that COVID-19 could transmit through indirect contact of the oral mucosa was ignored.

In 44 672 confirmed cases, 1023 died, with the crude death rate of 2.3%. The report shows that by February 11, altogether 3019 medical staff had been affected by COVID-19 (including confirmed cases, suspected cases, clinically diagnosed cases and asymptomatic carriers, among which there were 1716 confirmed cases, of which five died.) and there was a possibility that some were affected due to non-occupational exposure. Further, it is suggested by this article that medical and non-medical articles as well as personal belongings used by the patients infected by COVID-19 should be disposed appropriately, which could help lower the risks of medical workers being infected.

We declare no competing interests. 

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