Triatek products installed in healthcare settings like isolation rooms are on the front lines of breaking the train of transmission for diseases like MERS.
On May 2, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first imported case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS) by a traveler to the US. The patient traveled to Indiana from Saudi Arabia, with a connecting flight in London.
According to the CDC, MERS is relatively new to humans, and the first reported human case was in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Most people infected develop severe acute respiratory illness, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and many die as a result.
The CDC was quick to respond to the case. “We’ve anticipated MERS reaching the US, and we’ve prepared for and are taking swift action,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “We’re doing everything possible with hospital, local, and state health officials to find people who may have had contact with this person so they can be evaluated as appropriate. This case reminds us that we are all connected by the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. We can break the chain of transmission in this case through focused efforts here and abroad.”
The patient was placed in an isolation room to prevent further contact with the public, and healthcare workers wear fully protective clothing when caring for the patient.
Triatek’s Venturi valves and room pressure controllers ensure the airflow within isolation rooms is controlled and does not recirculate contaminated air. Our room pressure controllers also ensure the humidity and temperature remain at appropriate settings to provide a comfortable and healing environment for patients.
