How can airborne fungal infections be prevented in hospitals?
Controlling infection rates requires that hospital management assures that proper planning and dust control practices are in place. This includes: Involving infection control staff in construction and maintenance planning, Managing traffic patterns to control dust, Using wet methods and HEPA vacuuming for cleaning critical care areas, Cleaning and maintenance of humidifcation and filtration systems, and Maintaining proper pressure differentials are maintained in protective environments. Exposure of the small but growing population with impaired immune systems is a concern. Molds can cause infections in susceptible people, particularly in hospital settings. Cases of hospital acquired respiratory fungal infection have been associated with construction activity, contaminated air filters, air conditioning systems and open windows. Suggested acceptable levels of airborne mold in protective patient environments are very low. In highly filtered environments such as bone marrow transplant ward
