Environmental persistence and transfer of enteric viruses

Abstract

Non-enveloped enteric viruses, such as Human Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus, are readily transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Outbreaks are often prolonged due to the ability of these viruses to survive on environmental surfaces, on foods, and in water. Delineation of properties impacting enteric virus transfer and persistence in the environment has been the focus of several recent publications and is the topic of this review. Such information is important for modeling transmission scenarios, identifying risks of food-borne and water-borne virus contamination, and targeting prevention and control efforts for risk mitigation.