fomes

fomes [foh-meez] ExamplesWord Origin noun, plural fom·i·tes [fom-i-teez, foh-mi-] /ˈfɒm ɪˌtiz, ˈfoʊ mɪ-/. Usually fomites. Medicine/Medical.

1. any agent, as clothing or bedding, that is capable of absorbing and transmitting the infecting organism of a disease.

Origin of fomes 1650–60; Latin fōmes kindling wood, tinder, akin to fōvēre to keep warm Examples from the Web for fomites Historical Examples of fomites

If so, is it likely that clothes or fomites conveyed it in any case?

A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume II (of 2)

Charles Creighton

There is also no question that typhus fever may be communicated by fomites.

A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I

Various

The theory of the spread of yellow fever by fomites was completely demolished.

Handbook of Medical Entomology

William Albert Riley

The more common means of contagion is by direct contact or by means of fomites.

Special Report on Diseases of the Horse

United States Department of Agriculture

This rapid discharge is advised because a ship’s heated hold is just the place for the full development of the fomites.

The Galaxy, May, 1877

Various

British Dictionary definitions for fomites fomes noun plural -mites (-mɪtiːz)

1. med any material, such as bedding or clothing, that may harbour pathogens and therefore convey disease

Word Origin for fomes C18: from Latin fōmes tinder fomites in Medicine fomes [fō′mēz] n. pl. fom•i•tes (fŏm′ĭ-tēz′, fō′mĭ-)

1. Fomite.