There Is a Risk of Spread During a Nebulization Session in a Patient with COVID-19

Thibon, Christophe [UCL] Vecellio, Laurent Belkhir, Leïla [UCL] Dubus, Jean-Christophe Robert, Annie [UCL] Kabamba-Mukadi, Benoît [UCL] Reychler, Gregory [UCL]

(eng) INTRODUCTION: A hypothetical risk of SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission through nebulization was suggested based on a potential environmental contamination by the fugitive aerosol emitted in the environment during the procedure. The aim of this study was to verify this risk from the fugitive aerosol emitted by COVID-19 patients during one nebulization session. METHODS: In this cohort study, COVID-19 patients treated with nebulization were recruited at their admission to the hospital. Patients had to perform a nebulization session while a BioSampler® and a pump were used to vacuum the fugitive aerosol and collect it for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were recruited. The median viral load was 6.5 × 106 copies/mL. Two out of the 10 samples from the fugitive aerosol collected were positive to SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: The risk of fugitive aerosol contamination with SARS-CoV-2 during nebulization has now been verified.