Use of robot technology for decontaminating Marburg virus-exposed environments in Rwanda: A promising tool for managing outbreaks in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a deadly disease with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. The recent MVD outbreak in Rwanda underscored the role of infection prevention and control in managing MVD. This study assessed the effectiveness of traditional disinfectants and UV-C light for decontaminating Marburg virus (MARV)-exposed environments.

METHODS

After discharging MVD-recovered patients, swab samples were collected from hospital ward, intensive care unit, laboratory area, and equipment. Subsequently, chemical disinfectants were applied to these areas and left for 24 hours, then swabs were taken. Next, a UV-C light-emitting robot was deployed (16 m2/min), and additional swabs were collected. All samples were tested for MARV RNA by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 13 samples were found to be positive at baseline testing. Of these 5 were floor samples, 2 were from walls and 4 were associated with the bed area. These were effectively decontaminated by chemical treatment. One sample taken from an infusion pump and 1 sample from a coagulation analyzer remained positive after chemical cleaning but were negative after deployment of the UV-C emitting robot.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings exhibit an innovative approach to decontaminating MARV-exposed environments and posit the reuse of devices disinfected with UV light.