Preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in rehabilitation pools and therapeutic water environments

• Published in: The Journal of hospital infection Vol. 105; no. 4; pp. 625 - 627
• Main Authors: Romano-Bertrand, S., Aho Glele, L-S., Grandbastien, B., Lepelletier, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2020; WB Saunders; The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd
• Subjects: Betacoronavirus - growth & development; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control; Coronavirus Infections - transmission; COVID-19; Emerging diseases; Guidelines as Topic; Human health and pathology; Humans; Infectious diseases; Life Sciences; Oral–faecal transmission; Pandemics - prevention & control; Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control; Pneumonia, Viral - transmission; Rehabilitation Centers - standards; Safety Management - standards; Santé publique et épidémiologie; SARS-CoV-2; Short Report; Swimming Pools - standards; Viral pandemic; Waterborne infection; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Waterborne infection; Oral–faecal transmission; Viral pandemic
• ISSN: 0195-6701; 1532-2939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.003

SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. It can be retrieved in faeces but there is no evidence of faecal–oral transmission, which is the main route of contamination in recreational waters. Standard cleaning and disinfecting procedures, microbiological control and health rules aim to prevent infectious risk regardless of the micro-organisms. In the context of progressive lockdown exit and hospital activities recovery, we assessed the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in rehabilitation pools and therapeutic water environments in order to provide specific recommendations to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while ensuring essential rehabilitation care for patients.