title: Debate on MERS-CoV respiratory precautions: surgical mask or N95 respirators?
abstract: Since the emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in mid-2012, there has been controversy over the respiratory precaution recommendations in different guidelines from various international bodies. Our understanding of MERS-CoV is still evolving. Current recommendations on infection control practices are heavily influenced by the lessons learnt from severe acute respiratory syndrome. A debate on respiratory precautions for MERS-CoV was organised by Infection Control Association (Singapore) and the Society of Infectious Disease (Singapore). We herein discuss and present the evidence for surgical masks for the protection of healthcare workers from MERS-CoV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Level 3, The Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856. jasmine.chung.s.m@sgh.com.sg.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Seto
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Ang
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Tambyah
mesh_terms: D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D018352:Coronavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D055552:Infectious Disease Medicine / Q000379:methods; D008397:Masks; D008877:Middle East; D065207:Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; D011634:Public Health; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012846:Singapore; D014195:Travel