In-Depth Survey Report: Expedient Methods for Surge Airborne Isolation within Healthcare Settings during Response to a Natural or Manmade Epidemic.

摘要

Throughout recorded history, mankind has used concepts of isolation as a means to protect the larger population from exposure to those with a potentially infectious disease. Biblical references in the books of Numbers and Leviticus delineate instructions to both cover the mouth and send from the encampment any individuals thought to have leprosy or other infectious health issues (McMillen and Stern 2000). The instruction to cover the mouth appears to guard against some form of droplet spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still is not certain how leprosy is transmitted, though droplet spread is the most likely means (CDC 2003a). This concept of separating potentially infectious persons from the general population has remained a predominant protection mechanism throughout much of the worlds history (CDC 2003b), even when knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the spread of disease or infection is lacking.