A new study from the United Kingdom shows widespread monkeypox DNA surface contamination in healthcare settings, with 93% of surfaces in occupied patient rooms contaminated, and significant contamination on healthcare worker personal protective equipment (PPE).

The researchers were also able to isolate infectious virus from two samples, including an air sample.

The study, published in The Lancet Microbe, was based on testing completed on four respiratory isolation rooms in the Royal Free Hospital in London. The rooms were occupied at various times from May 24 to Jun 17, 2022, by six patients with confirmed symptomatic monkeypox.

In addition to PPE, 60 surfaces in the rooms were swabbed, and air samples were collected from patient rooms (including before and during bedding changes), anterooms, and corridors adjacent to isolation rooms, the authors said.

PPE swabbing revealed DNA on 4 of 12 surfaces, including two each of facial covering visors and gloves.