Zika capable of surviving on hard, non-porous surfaces, researchers say

MIAMI – Although all of the documented cases of the Zika virus in Florida have been as a result of an infected mosquito's bite or after contact with an infected person, researchers learned it is possible for the virus to live on certain surfaces -- and still be contagious. 

Researchers with RMC Pharmaceutical Solutions found the virus can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for as long as eight hours and possibly longer when there is blood. They also said they had one documented case of a person who contracted the virus through laboratory exposure. 

The researchers also looked into how to kill the virus when its on a hard, non-porous surface. Disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium/alcohol were generally effective, according to the researchers who were on consultancy for Microbac Laboratories. 

The research was presented Tuesday at the 2016 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual meeting and exposition in Denver.