Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Dec 4, 2024 3:43:24 GMT
Non-woven masks and SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cluster setting in Japan - Published Nov 29, 2024
Abstract
Evidence about which types of mask are effective in preventing infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is limited. We examined which mask types were effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cluster setting in Japan. We retrospectively reviewed data from a cluster of COVID-19 cases that occurred at a manufacturing company in mid-August 2021. We included a total of 87 individuals who reported the type of mask worn. We dichotomized the types of mask into non-woven masks or other types of mask, such as cloth or urethane masks. We then examined the associations between the mask type and SARS-CoV-2 infection using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders. Participants who wore non-woven masks were less likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (9.7%) compared with those who wore other types of mask (26.7%). After adjusting for potential confounders, wearing a non-woven mask was significantly associated with a reduced risk of infection compared with wearing other mask types (odds ratio = 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.80). Non-woven masks were found to be more effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cluster setting than other types of mask, such as cloth or urethane masks.
Abstract
Evidence about which types of mask are effective in preventing infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is limited. We examined which mask types were effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cluster setting in Japan. We retrospectively reviewed data from a cluster of COVID-19 cases that occurred at a manufacturing company in mid-August 2021. We included a total of 87 individuals who reported the type of mask worn. We dichotomized the types of mask into non-woven masks or other types of mask, such as cloth or urethane masks. We then examined the associations between the mask type and SARS-CoV-2 infection using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders. Participants who wore non-woven masks were less likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (9.7%) compared with those who wore other types of mask (26.7%). After adjusting for potential confounders, wearing a non-woven mask was significantly associated with a reduced risk of infection compared with wearing other mask types (odds ratio = 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.80). Non-woven masks were found to be more effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cluster setting than other types of mask, such as cloth or urethane masks.