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ASSESSMENT OF USED NOSE MASKS FOR THE PRESENCE OF SARS-CoV-2


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  • I.M. OGBEBOR Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
  • B.O. AGBONWANETEN Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
  • S.E. OMONIGHO Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Asymptomatic, COVID-19, Pauci-symptomatic Pre-symptomatic, SARS-COV 2

Abstract

The science around the use of masks by the public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is via respiratory particles, and it is known to be transmissible from pre-symptomatic, pauci-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. This study was carried with the aim of evaluating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in used nose masks in Benin City. Three different locations were chosen; University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Ekae market at Sapele Road. New packs of sealed nose masks were purchased and used in the course of the study. The study was conducted within the dry and wet seasons. Nose masks were distributed to different volunteers in the various study locations at day 1, day 2 and day 3. The nose masks were retrieved at the time lapse from the volunteers and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Samples of nose masks retrieved from the volunteers were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 identification test was carried out on the nosemask samples. Also used and unused nose masks were subjected to viral detection technique to determine the possible presence of SARS-COV 2. Viral detection techniques revealed no presence of SARS-CoV-2 in nose masks samples analysed. This study provided early evidence for the microbial contamination of nose masks which should be a basis for improved hygienic practices by nose mask wearers.


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Published
2023-06-29
How to Cite
OGBEBOR, I., AGBONWANETEN, B., & OMONIGHO, S. (2023). ASSESSMENT OF USED NOSE MASKS FOR THE PRESENCE OF SARS-CoV-2. African Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 4(1), 65-71. https://doi.org/10.52417/ajhse.v4i1.394