New research from the World Health Organisation suggests the Covid-19 virus could spread through human stool, calling for fresh warnings to step up hand hygiene efforts.
Of the more than 100,000 cases recorded so far, the majority of patients contracted the disease when an infected person spread viral droplets through coughing and sneezing.
However, a WHO report confirmed that previous tests found the virus to be present in stool samples, meaning transmission through this route was possible.
The research stated that "faecal shedding" had been demonstrated from some patients in China, and viable virus – one that has the potential for transmission - had been identified in a "limited number of case reports".
The WHO said the risk of catching Covid-19 from the stool of an infected person "appears to be low", but should not be ignored.
"While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in faeces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak," the report said.
"Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly after using the bathroom and before eating."
WHO said the "faecal-oral route" does not appear to be a driver of Covid-19 outbreak. However, research into its role and significance would continue to be investigated.
"WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways [the virus] is spread and will continue to share new findings," it said.
Earlier this week, Dr Hend Al Awadhi from the Dubai Heath Authority, said regular hand-washing was one of the main preventative measures in containing the spread of Covid-19.
She said adults and children should spend about 20 seconds scrubbing their hands, being sure to get in between the fingers and under the nails.
According to official WHO advice, washing your hands with "warm soap and water or using hand sanitisers" would help kill viruses that may be present on an individual's hands.
It also advises people to maintain at least a one metre distance between anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Over the past few weeks, the UAE has introduced a number of precautionary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Additional hand sanitiser stations have been fitted across largely populated areas including airports, malls and offices.
At Dubai airports and seaports, mandatory health screenings have been introduced for all passengers arriving to the emirate too.
On Thursday, the number of reported cases in the UAE reached 29, after a 17-year-old pupil was diagnosed with the virus.
