Fecal-oral transmission of coronavirus yet to be confirmed, but precautions taken: Chinese expert

It is still too early to identify whether the novel coronavirus can be transmitted through the digestive system, but precautionary measures have been taken, a Chinese expert said Saturday.

Currently, it is still unclear whether people would be infected with the virus by taking contaminated food or water, said Feng Luzhao, a researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at a press conference.

Feng added that relevant measures have been taken to prevent potential fecal-oral transmission concerning laboratory testing, management of close contacts, protection for special personnel and disinfection in certain environments.

He noted the relevant research will be stepped up to find out whether people can be infected by taking contaminated food.

According to the current knowledge of the virus, the respiratory droplets and contact transmission are the major routes of the coronavirus infection.