Trace elements of coronavirus was still present 17 days after all passengers were evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, according to data released this week by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC found RNA genetic material was still on multiple surfaces in Diamond Princess cabins more than two weeks later.
The study found transmission between passengers on the Diamond Princess ship mostly occurred before the ship was put into quarantine.
The trace elements were found on surfaces and studied before disinfection procedures were carried out, the CDC said.
"Outbreaks of covid-19 on cruise ships pose a risk for rapid spread of disease beyond the voyage. Aggressive efforts are required to contain spread," the CDC said in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
As well as the Diamond Princess, the CDC also studied conditions on the Grand Princess, which was also put into quarantine.
Nearly 800 people tested positive on the two ships and 10 people died.
