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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Whole-Body Nanoparticle Aerosol Inhalation Exposures
Published on: May 7, 2013
Occupational Health Update: Evaluation and Management of Exposures and Postexposure Prophylaxis
Erica S Shenoy1, David J Weber2
1Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch 334, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Health care personnel (HCP) are at risk of exposure to infectious agents depending on their job duties and other factors. Risks include percutaneous exposure to blood-borne pathogens via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus); exposure by direct contact, droplet, or airborne transmission of pathogens through direct patient care (eg, pertussis, invasive meningococcus infections, tuberculosis); and through indirect contact transmission related to the contaminated health care environment (eg, Clostridioides difficile). Occupational health programs must effectively identify and respond to potential exposures and provide guidance to HCP on postexposure prophylaxis.
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