“Faecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 cannot be ignored”, researchers have warned, citing evidence of ‘live’ virus in faeces. This prompts big questions: Might intestinal incubation explain delayed symptoms, different immune responses and/or longer transmission timelines? Might normal tests (nose and throat swabs) miss such cases? What risk of transmission does ‘silent’ intestinal incubation pose? Should hygiene protocols be revised? What about less-developed parts of the world and the crucial sanitation issues that this raises?
(NB: This science-based article is shared pending expert opinion regarding the potential implications; it will be updated accordingly.)