Emission Patterns of Respiratory Pathogens

Airborne transmission represents one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous dissemination mechanisms for pathogens. Public health strategies to prevent and control the often explosive outbreaks associated with such pathogens are: 1) vaccination and treatment, if available, 2) isolation and barrier precautions such as face masks, and 3) decontamination of the exposed areas and surfaces. A lack of understanding how these pathogens are transmitted hampers the ability to develop effective prevention measures. This study will be used to collect preliminary data of the emission patterns of respiratory pathogens.