How do diseases transmit via surfaces?
It is common for many infectious diseases to transmit through surfaces (see figure below). Surfaces can include a range of commonly touched objects such as tabletops, door knobs, toys, light switches and other objects. Generally speaking, the likelihood of disease transmission through surfaces depends on the following factors:
Amount of pathogen (virus) shed by infected individuals
Virus survival on surfaces
Rate of transfer from surfaces to hands or mouth
Number of viruses required to cause disease (infectious dose)
Resistance of the virus to disinfection
Surface-mediated transmission. Adapted from: Julian, 2010.
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Editor's Note
Author: Karin Gallandat
Review: Karen Levy, Jacqueline Knee, Sian White, Robert Dreibelbis
Last Update: 15.04.2020