Ebola Virus Persistence in the Environment: State of the Knowledge and Research Needs

Abstract

In March 2014, an outbreak of Ebola virus (Ebola) arose in western Africa. Since then, there have been more than 10000 cases reported with a mortality rate of approximately 70% in clinically confirmed cases. A significant unanswered question has arisen for the scientific and engineering communities, as well as the general public, surrounding Ebola virus persistence in the environment and the potential for an environmental route of Ebola virus exposure. Here, the authors review the state of knowledge of Ebola virus environmental persistence and highlight future research needs. In general, there are limited data on the environmental persistence or disinfection of Ebola virus available in the open literature. The available evidence suggests that Ebola virus is inactivated at a rate more rapid than or comparable to those of typically monitored enteric viruses. Additionally, while environmental exposure is not the dominant exposure route, available data suggest that it is imprudent to dismiss the potential of ...