Ebola RNA was found on cleaned surfaces in a high isolation unit where an infected patient had been treated and discharged, according to an article on the Healio website.

Researchers wrote in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology that said their findings point to the importance of thorough terminal disinfection.

“Currently, no studies have been published reporting [Ebola virus (EBOV)] transmission through the environment or through fomites, if not visibly contaminated with bodily fluids,” Vincenzo Puro, MD, of the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome, and colleagues wrote. “However, guidelines strongly support a high level of precautions in environmental cleaning.”

Viral genetic material was found in areas where heavy contamination had occurred. Imperfect cleaning and intensive contamination by bloody vomit may have contributed to this finding, the researchers said.

Read the article.