Resuspension and Dissemination of MS2 Virus from Flooring After Human Activities in Built Environment: Impact of Dust Particles

Resuspended particles from human activities can contribute to pathogen exposure via airborne fomite contamination in built environments. Studies investigating the dissemination of resuspended viruses are limited. The goal of this study was to explore viral dissemination after aerosolized resuspension via human activities on indoor flooring. Nylon carpet or wood flooring was seeded with virus (MS2) or virus laden dust then evaluated after activities, i.e., walking and vacuuming. Statistically significant differences were found in dispersal of virus laden dust after vacuuming carpet (<i>p</i>-value = 5.8 × 10^-6) and wood (<i>p</i>-value = 0.003, distance > 12 in/30 cm). Significant differences were also found between floor materials and virus laden dust dispersal vacuuming (<i>p</i> = 2.09 × 10^-5) and walking (<i>p</i> = 2.68 × 10^-2). A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) scenario using Norovirus and a single fomite touch followed by a single hand-to-mouth touch indicated a statistically significant difference associated with virus laden dust particles and vacuuming carpet(<i>p</i> < 0.001). Infection risks were 1 to 5 log₁₀ greater for dust exposure. The greatest risk reductions from fomites were seen across vacuuming carpet no-dust scenarios for surfaces <30 cm from flooring. More research is needed to determine the role resuspension plays in exposure and transmission of potentially infectious agents.