Face mask manufacturer Crosstex has responded in a press release to numerous healthcare practitioners who have asked about appropriate personal protective equipment in the wake of prominent news coverage of Ebola and enterovirus.
The company emphasized that healthcare practitioners should obtain information and updates directly from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov.
At press time, the CDC states "use of standard precautions apply"-- which means any healthcare providers encountering Ebola or Marburg hemorrhagic fever or persons and animals suspected of having these infections should follow barrier techniques, including wearing protective gowns, gloves, and masks in addition to eye protection or face shields.
The company noted that the CDC states there is no specific treatment for enterovirus D 68 (EV-D68) infections, and there are no antiviral medications available. To prevent the spread of infection, the CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding kissing, hugging, and sharing utensils with infected people and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Crosstex invited users to call its toll-free infection-control help line at 1-855-878-3745, Monday through Friday, from 8-5 p.m. MST.
