SARS among Critical Care Nurses, Toronto

SARS among Critical Care Nurses, Toronto

Mark B. Loeb, Allison McGeer, Bonnie Henry, Marianna Ofner, David Rose, Tammy Hlywka, Joanne Levie, Jane McQueen, Stephanie Smith, Lorraine Moss, Andrew Smith, Karen Green, Stephen D. Walter

To determine factors that predispose or protect healthcare workers from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), we conducted a retrospective cohort study among 43 nurses who worked in two Toronto critical care units with SARS patients. Eight of 32 nurses who entered a SARS patient’s room were infected. The probability of SARS infection was 6% per shift worked. Assisting during intubation, suctioning before intubation, and manipulating the oxygen mask were high-risk activities. Consistently wearing a mask (either surgical or particulate respirator type N95) while caring for a SARS patient was protective for the nurses, and consistent use of the N95 mask was more protective than not wearing a mask. Risk was reduced by consistent use of a surgical mask, but not significantly. Risk was lower with consistent use of a N95 mask than with consistent use of a surgical mask. We conclude that activities related to intubation increase SARS risk and use of a mask (particularly a N95 mask) is protective.

2004

SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Critical care, Risk factors, Respiratory protective devices, Masks

DOI: 10.3201/eid1002.030838

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine

EN