fomites
Germ-carrying objects
Fomites is the plural of fomite—an object or surface that can transmit infectious agents.
Doorknobs, handrails, shared towels, and medical equipment are common fomites.
The term gained wider recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public health messaging emphasized sanitizing high-touch surfaces: Wiping down fomites reduces transmission risk.
Round handle for entry
- phoneHandheld communication device
- keyboardArray of input keys
- remoteDistant or controller
- towelAbsorbent fabric for drying
bedding · clothing · utensils · toys · furniture · money · handrail · faucet
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
- sporesAsexual reproductive bodies
norovirus · influenza · MRSA · rhinovirus · staphylococcus · streptococcus · E. coli · rotavirus
Eliminating pathogens from surfaces
- handwashingCleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- surface cleaningRemoving visible dirt only
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
antiseptic · soap · decontamination · bleach · alcohol wipes · infection control · PPE · hand hygiene
doorknob
Round handle for entry
towel · bedding · clothing · utensils · toys · furniture · money · handrail · faucet · lightswitch
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
spores · norovirus · influenza · MRSA · rhinovirus · staphylococcus · streptococcus · E. coli · rotavirus · salmonella
cross-contamination
Transfer of harmful substances
- disease vectorOrganism spreading pathogens
disinfection
Eliminating pathogens from surfaces
- handwashingCleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- surface cleaningRemoving visible dirt only
sterilization · antiseptic · soap · decontamination · bleach · alcohol wipes · infection control · PPE · hand hygiene
- disease spreadairborne, bloodborne, contact, droplets, fecal-oral
- epidemiologyepidemic, epidemiology, pandemic, outbreak, endemic
- fecal-oral diseasescholera, typhoid, norovirus, rotavirus, shigellosis
fomitesaerosols
Suspended particles in gas
airborne transmission · respiratory droplets · airborne particles · droplet transmission