Measurement of airborne influenza virus in a hospital emergency department

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Feb 15;48(4):438-40. doi: 10.1086/596478.

Abstract

Size-fractionated aerosol particles were collected in a hospital emergency department to test for airborne influenza virus. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we confirmed the presence of airborne influenza virus and found that 53% of detectable influenza virus particles were within the respirable aerosol fraction. Our results provide evidence that influenza virus may spread through the airborne route.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols*
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Hospitals*
  • Humans
  • Orthomyxoviridae / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Aerosols