High titers of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in patients who died of COVID-19

A new study revealed high amounts of contagious SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the bodies of patients who died of COVID-19.

In some cases, the viruses were still present 13 days after death.

The study showed that infectious virus was detected in six of eleven (55%) cases, 4 of 11 (36%) nasopharyngeal swabs, and 9 of 19 (47%) lung specimens.

This is the first study that showed that infectious viral particles are present in the bodies of deceased patients. Previous post-mortem exams only showed RNA.

The authors found that infectious viruses are highly likely when death occurs because of rapidly worsening COVID-19 symptoms or within a short period after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

If SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive corpses are found within a few days after death and kept in a cold environment, they should be handled with caution due to the likely presence of infectious viruses. This would probably also hold if the bodies were found outside during the cold winter. 

In the two cases for which infectious virus was not detected, the corpses had been left at room temperature before discovery and were highly decomposed.

The findings of this study are helpful to healthcare workers to guide them on how to handle the bodies of deceased COVID-19 patients.

The study is still a preprint and the authors are from the University of Tokyo.

Reference:

Saitoh et al. High titers of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 corpses. medRxiv 2022.10.11.22280868

Bigelow Tea Classic Green Tea, Caffeinated Tea, 20 Count Box (Pack of 6), 120 Total Tea Bags

$14.94 ($0.12 / Count) $14.90 ($0.12 / Count) (as of June 5, 2025 17:32 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Delicate Green Tea: 120 green tea bags of Bigelow Classic Green Tea, smooth and delicate signature green tea that is not too harsh or grassy making it delicious and enjoyable as a traditional hot tea or iced tea Tea Bags Individually Wrapped: Bigelow... read more

TAZO Organic Zen Green Tea, Caffeinated Tea with Refreshing Lemongrass & Spearmint, 16 Total Bags

$4.29 ($0.27 / Count) (as of June 5, 2025 17:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

TAZO ORGANIC ZEN GREEN TEA: This tea offers a blend of green tea, lemon verbena, crisp spearmint leaves, bright lemongrass, and natural flavors as a tasty, relaxing, and calm refresher WHAT YOU'LL GET: TAZO Organic Zen Green Tea, non-GMO and kosher c... read more

FGO Organic Green Tea, 100 Count Eco-Conscious Tea Bags, Caffeinated, Resealable Pouch, Packaging May Vary (Pack of 1)

$21.99 ($0.22 / Count) (as of June 5, 2025 16:35 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

GREEN TEA BAGS - 100 Tea Bags filled with premium green tea. ORGANIC GREEN TEA - The tea is sourced from China, then blended, filled into tea bags and packed in resealable bags in California 100 ECO-CONSCIOUS TEA BAGS - Our premium tea bags are const... read more

Twinings Pure Green Tea Individually Wrapped Bags, 100 Count (Pack of 1), Smooth & Refreshing, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced, 100 Teabags

$17.98 ($0.18 / Count) (as of June 5, 2025 16:35 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

DRINK IN LIFE: a box of 100 Green Tea, by Twinings. Experience the time-honoured tradition of pure green tea. Feel your finest, one sip at a time. TASTING NOTES: A smooth tea with a fresh taste. Featuring a bright, honey-yellow colour in your cup wit... read more

Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Unsweetened Green Tea, 18.5 fl Oz Bottles (Pack of 12)

$25.18 ($0.11 / Fl Oz) (as of June 5, 2025 16:45 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Brewed from real tea leaves picked at their freshest, never from powder or concentrate No artificial sweeteners or added color Unsweetened green tea 0 calories per bottle Includes twelve 18.5 ounce bottles

Auto Amazon Links