How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses?

We report the finding of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in the corpse of an exhumed infected person, one month after her death. The viral gene targets were still present in her lungs and heart, however, the virus was no longer alive. Infectious risks from human corpses should be considered.

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mario Gabbrielli, Claudia Gandolfo, Gabriele Anichini, Tommaso Candelori, Matteo Benvenuti, Gianni Gori Savellini, Maria Grazia Cusi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-05-01
Series:International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971221002708