Which item is NOT part of the recommended PPE for handling Seoul virus-infected rats?

Which item is NOT part of the recommended PPE for handling Seoul virus-infected rats?

• A. Impermeable gown
• B. N95 respirator
• C. Two pairs of gloves
• D. Surgical mask only

Answer: (D)

Handling Seoul virus–infected rats requires protection against aerosol exposure as well as barriers to contamination. Seoul virus is a hantavirus carried by rats, and transmission can occur through inhalation of aerosols from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Because of that, protective equipment is chosen for both barrier protection and respiratory protection. The item that is not part of the recommended PPE is the one that only provides a basic face cover without proper filtration or a seal. A surgical mask alone does not seal around the nose and mouth and does not filter fine airborne particles well enough to protect against aerosolized virus; it leaves openings through which virus-containing aerosols can be inhaled. In this high-risk situation, that level of protection is insufficient. In contrast, an impermeable gown provides a solid barrier for skin and clothing against splashes or contact with contaminated materials; two pairs of gloves offer enhanced protection during handling and safer removal of contaminated gloves; and an N95 respirator provides filtration and a tighter seal to protect against inhalation of airborne particles. Eye protection is typically used as well to guard mucous membranes from splashes, though it isn’t required in every listing.

Handling Seoul virus–infected rats requires protection against aerosol exposure as well as barriers to contamination. Seoul virus is a hantavirus carried by rats, and transmission can occur through inhalation of aerosols from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Because of that, protective equipment is chosen for both barrier protection and respiratory protection.

The item that is not part of the recommended PPE is the one that only provides a basic face cover without proper filtration or a seal. A surgical mask alone does not seal around the nose and mouth and does not filter fine airborne particles well enough to protect against aerosolized virus; it leaves openings through which virus-containing aerosols can be inhaled. In this high-risk situation, that level of protection is insufficient.

In contrast, an impermeable gown provides a solid barrier for skin and clothing against splashes or contact with contaminated materials; two pairs of gloves offer enhanced protection during handling and safer removal of contaminated gloves; and an N95 respirator provides filtration and a tighter seal to protect against inhalation of airborne particles. Eye protection is typically used as well to guard mucous membranes from splashes, though it isn’t required in every listing.