Final answer:
Health care workers treating patients with diseases spread by aerosols must wear full PPE, including protective coats, face protection, and respirators. BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs require additional measures, such as special airflow systems, full-body suits with independent air supplies, and stringent decontamination protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treating patients with highly infectious diseases that are spread by aerosols requires the health care personnel to wear specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When dealing with pathogens that have high aerosol transmission rates, such as those in a BSL-3 (Biosafety Level 3) environment, personnel must don a protective coat, face protection, respirator, and cut-resistant gloves. Working with BSL-4 agents, like Ebola or Marburg viruses, requires even more stringent PPE, including full-body suits with an independent air supply, as well as stringent decontamination protocols. Both of these levels include thorough hand hygiene practices and careful disinfection of equipment and surfaces.
In addition to PPE, BSL-3 laboratories require a hands-free sink, eyewash station, restricted access, medical oversight, and possibly vaccinations against the pathogens being studied. The airflow design brings in clean air from less contaminated areas and does not allow for recirculation of air. BSL-4 laboratories demand even stricter controls, such as isolated sections with dedicated air supplies and decontamination systems, showering upon exit, and full-body protective suits for added safety.