Chinese Infectious Disease Expert: "COVID-19 Can Spread Through Showerheads and Plumbing"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Zhong Nanshan, a leading authority on respiratory diseases in China and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that COVID-19 could potentially spread through showerheads or plumbing systems.

According to Chinese media such as Xinlang Caijing on the 12th, Zhong said in a video conference with the European Respiratory Society, "COVID-19 can spread through showerheads or plumbing," explaining, "In the case of the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, 709 passengers, accounting for 20% of those on board as of February 29, were infected, and virus transmission may have been facilitated through showerheads or plumbing."

He also noted, "The average incubation period for COVID-19 is four days," adding, "In the case of an epidemic, the key is to prevent transmission. Early quarantine measures must be well implemented, and early diagnosis and early isolation are important."

Zhong further expressed that although COVID-19 virus has been detected in feces, urine, and blood, it is currently unclear whether this is related to respiratory transmission.

He mentioned that the most common symptoms when COVID-19 patients are first hospitalized are fever and cough, and the risk of relapse after full recovery and discharge is low.

During the video conference with the European Respiratory Society on the same day, Zhong explained the transmission characteristics, transmission routes, and main symptoms of COVID-19. He also shared China’s achievements and experiences in responding to COVID-19, revealing that 150 types of COVID-19 related clinical studies are currently underway in China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.