Fomite workshop recommendations addressing the role of surfaces in virus transmission in the built environment

Fomites can be important sources of exposure to viruses that are often considered to be indirectly transmitted. In many built environment venues (schools, offices, healthcare facilities, homes, assisted living, mass transportation, etc.), fomites may be the dominant route of transmission. Considering the comparatively longer survival rates of viruses on fomites than in the air and the impact of re-aerosolization from previously contaminated environmental surfaces (hard/soft), the transmission potential from fomites may be greater than from aerosols alone. Thus, virus transmission via fomites presents a longer-term risk of infection that should be taken into consideration when comparing proportionate risks of aerosols vs fomites.

These are the  conclusion from a fomite workshop convened in the US in November 2024.  The output report of this workshop reviews data showing how fomite transmission is influenced by the nature of the built environment, population density and proximity, environmental factors (humidity, heat, etc.), virus survival, surface type, engineering controls (ventilation, physical barriers, etc.), and human behaviors

The participants concluded a holistic interventional approach, focusing on both contaminated surfaces and air, should be considered regarding indoor virus transmission. The article also lists research needs to gain better understanding of the factors and venues involved and create more opportunities for infection prevention and control measures.

Abney SE, Bloomfield SF, Boone SA, Cutts T, Gerba CP, Ijaz MK, Lyons AK, Maillard JY, Mena KD, McKinney J, Park GW. Fomite workshop recommendations addressing the role of surfaces in virus transmission in the built environment. mSphere. 2025 Aug 20:e00927-24.