Risk factors associated with increased risk of spread:
(1) minimum distance between beds <= 1 meter
(2) resuscitation ever performed on the ward
(3) staff worked while symptomatic
Risk factors associated with increased risk of spread related to host patient:
(1) need for supplemental oxygen in the host patient
(2) need for bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) ventilation in the host patient
(3) presence of systemic symptoms (myalgia, chills, rigors, malaise, headache, dizziness) in the host patient
where:
• The use of oxygen therapy or BIPAP may indicate more severe disease or be risk factors for generation of aerosols.
• The host patient was the index patient or the first patient with SARS admitted to the ward. A patient with an unrecognized contagious disease can spread disease to others before respiratory precautions are placed into effect.
Factors associated with a decreased risk of spread:
(1) availability of washing or changing facilities for the staff
(2) use of an exhaust fan
