How Long Does Enterovirus And Coxsackievirus Survive In Outside Enviroment?

Posted on Sat, 9 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Apr 2016 Answered on

Thu, 9 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : How long does enterovirus (like EV71) and coxsackievirus live on surfaces? Particularly surfaces like clothing, sheets, etc.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
For a very limited period of time.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

While the spread of enterovirus (EV-71) is by feco-oral route (fomites), the spread of coxsackievirus is through inhalational route (aerosols). In either case, these viruses remain active for about 5 mins on inanimate objects (like surfaces of items like clothings, sheets etc.) or about 30 mins on animate objects (like hands) and after the mentioned time period has passed, you need not worry about them.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar