Airborne Disease Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Enhancing Preparedness

Stein Suig^*
*Correspondence: Stein Suig, Department of Clinical Virology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Email:

Description

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has indeed been a global public health emergency since its emergence in late 2019. The rapid spread of the virus has highlighted the critical need to reduce transmission risks, particularly within healthcare settings, where healthcare workers and vulnerable patients are at a higher risk of exposure. This article emphasizes the importance of professional measures to mitigate the risk of respiratory disease transmission, including COVID-19, in indoor environments such as hospitals. COVID-19 transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus can survive on surfaces for varying periods, and individuals can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching their face, especially the eyes, nose, or mouth. In certain conditions, the virus can become aerosolized, remaining suspended in the air for extended periods. Inhalation of these aerosols can lead to infection, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. While less common, there is evidence to suggest that the virus can be present in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the potential for transmission through contaminated fecal matter. Collaborative efforts between architects, engineers, and healthcare professionals are vital to integrate disinfection strategies seamlessly into the facility's design. Incorporating realtime environmental monitoring and sensor technologies can enhance the effectiveness of disinfection and HVAC systems.

Healthcare workers should adhere to strict Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines, including masks, face shields, gloves, and gowns. Proper hand hygiene is also essential. Maintaining physical distance from others, particularly in healthcare settings, helps reduce the risk of close-contact transmission. Regular and thorough disinfection of surfaces and frequently touched objects is essential to prevent indirect transmission via fomites (contaminated surfaces). Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play a crucial role in reducing the risk of airborne transmission. Properly maintained HVAC systems can enhance ventilation and filtration, diluting and removing infectious particles from the indoor air. Frequent air exchanges and the use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can be particularly effective. CFD simulations can model airflow patterns, contaminant dispersion, and HVAC system performance, aiding in the optimization of ventilation and filtration strategies. Effective disinfection and control of airborne diseases in healthcare settings require a systematic and quantitative approach. By evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of various disinfection methods, employing quantitative design and simulation techniques, and implementing advanced technologies, healthcare facilities can enhance the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare workers.

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of maintaining standardized medical facilities with impeccable disinfection hygiene. Achieving and sustaining such standards is a complex task that requires a systematic and reliable methodology. This paper addresses the urgent need for the development of quantitative evaluation methods and optimization strategies for routine disinfection devices and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in healthcare settings. By quantitatively assessing and optimizing these systems, we aim to improve the control of airborne diseases within medical facilities. These are widely used for surface disinfection. They are effective but may have adverse effects on human health, and their residue can lead to antimicrobial resistance. UV-C irradiation can be highly effective in killing pathogens on surfaces and in the air. However, its effectiveness depends on exposure time, distance, and shadows. Ozone generators can disinfect both air and surfaces. However, ozone can be harmful to humans, and its concentration must be carefully controlled. Proper HVAC system design can improve air quality by filtering out particulate matter and pathogens. However, inadequate design or maintenance can lead to the recirculation of contaminants.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, healthcare facilities and professionals must remain vigilant in implementing comprehensive measures to reduce transmission risks. This includes a multifaceted approach encompassing personal protection, social distancing, routine disinfection, and control of the indoor environment through HVAC system modifications. By prioritizing these professional measures, we can help protect both healthcare workers and patients and contribute to the global effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. These models predict the spread of pathogens in indoor environments, helping to identify high-risk areas and design effective disinfection strategies. Quantitative risk assessments can estimate the likelihood of infection transmission in various scenarios, guiding the selection of appropriate disinfection methods. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics and machine learning algorithms to continuously monitor and optimize HVAC and disinfection processes based on real-world performance data [1-5].

Acknowledgement

We thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive criticisms of the manuscript. The support from ROMA (Research Optimization and recovery in the Manufacturing industry), of the Research Council of Norway is highly appreciated by the authors.

Conflict of Interest

The Author declares there is no conflict of interest associated with this manuscript.

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