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Glossary · Protection

Personal protective equipment

Equipment worn to limit exposure to an infectious agent. Includes filtering masks (FFP2/N95), gloves, gowns and goggles. FFP2 filters at least 94% of particles under EN 149.

Also called : PPE, FFP2, N95, FFP2 mask Protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE, or EPI for équipement de protection individuelle in French) refers to any device worn by a person to limit their exposure to an infectious or dangerous agent. In the context of hantavirus disease, the main piece of PPE is the half-mask filtering respirator of the FFP2 type (European standard) or N95 (US standard), supplemented as needed by disposable gloves, a gown and protective eyewear.

Categories and standards

Filtering masks

Respiratory protection against infectious aerosols is provided by filtering masks. The European standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009 defines three classes: FFP1 (≥ 80% filtration), FFP2 (≥ 94%), FFP3 (≥ 99%). In the United States, the NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 standard defines the N95 (≥ 95%), N99 and N100 classes. For protection against viral aerosols such as those that may carry hantavirus, FFP2 or N95 is the minimum recommended equipment.

Test methods

Efficiency is measured against 0.3 µm particles, the most penetrating size. The European EN 149 standard is more stringent than the US standard in that it tests efficiency against both oily (paraffin oil) and non-oily (sodium chloride) particles, whereas the NIOSH standard tests only non-oily particles. In practice, both standards guarantee comparable protection.

Other equipment

Additional equipment used in public health includes: disposable nitrile gloves for handling contaminated surfaces, single-use waterproof gowns for direct care of a case, goggles or a face shield for eye protection, and shoe covers in some hospital settings.

Use in the hantavirus context

For the general public

The CDC recommends wearing an FFP2/N95 filtering mask, disposable gloves and ensuring good ventilation when cleaning any area that may be contaminated by rodent droppings: cellars, attics, outbuildings, unused cabins. Dry sweeping and vacuuming should be avoided as they suspend particles in the air. A diluted bleach solution (1:9) should be sprayed before any wet cleaning.

For healthcare workers

When caring for a suspected or confirmed case of hantavirus disease, particularly Andes virus (which is human-to-human transmissible), WHO/ECDC recommendations include: FFP2/N95 mask, single-use waterproof gown, disposable gloves, goggles or face shield, and rigorous hand hygiene. This equipment is required for any direct care activity, and especially in confined environments.

For MV Hondius passengers

The use of FFP2 masks during disembarkation in Tenerife (Granadilla de Abona) and on repatriation flights follows a maximum precaution approach. Although Andes virus is not considered to be a widely airborne agent, prolonged exposure to symptomatic people justifies respiratory protection in confined spaces (planes, buses, medical waiting rooms).

Limitations

No PPE is 100% effective. Effective protection depends on fit quality (a poorly worn mask lets through 50% or more of particles), duration of use (masks lose efficiency after several hours) and strict compliance with the removal procedure. Respiratory protection complements — does not replace — other measures: ventilation, distancing, hand hygiene and active medical surveillance.

Key figures

Standards & references

  • EN 149:2001+A1:2009 — European standard defining the FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 classes of filtering masks and their test methods.
  • NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 — US standard defining the N95, N99 and N100 mask classes, managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Frequently asked questions

Are FFP2 and N95 the same thing?

In practice, yes: they are two equivalent standards for half-mask filtering respirators. FFP2 (European standard EN 149) filters at least 94% of particles, N95 (US NIOSH standard) at least 95%. The difference in threshold is marginal; the test methods differ slightly (FFP2 tests both oily and non-oily particles, N95 only non-oily). For protection against infectious aerosols, both are suitable.

Why were FFP2 masks used during the MV Hondius disembarkation?

The use of FFP2 masks by medical teams and passengers during disembarkation and repatriation is a precautionary measure. Andes virus is not known for wide airborne transmission, but prolonged exposure to symptomatic people in a confined environment may justify respiratory protection. FFP2 use is consistent with WHO and ECDC recommendations in this situation.

Does an FFP2 mask protect against hantavirus when cleaning at home?

Yes. The CDC explicitly recommends wearing a filtering mask (FFP2/N95 or higher) when cleaning any space that may contain rodent droppings (cellar, attic, outbuilding). The goal is to avoid inhaling aerosols that may form during cleaning. Dry sweeping and vacuuming should be avoided as they suspend particles in the air.

Further reading