ALIN Unveils New Innovation: Infectious Care Containment Unit

ALIN’s Chairman, Dr. Kenneth Matsumura, being interviewed by ABC for Infectious Care Containment Unit unveiling

A Novel Isolation Bay for Infectious Treatment

In response to the 2015 US ebola outbreak, in which medical staff became infected during treatment and the death rate for ebola is estimated to be approximately 60%, the US prepared 64 isolation beds in various locations around the country. CDC data from an outbreak in Africa in 2014 reported that effective isolation of patients became increasingly difficult as hospitals, clinics, and temporary Ebola treatment units (ETUs) were filled beyond capacity; persons with new suspected cases, as well as symptomatic contacts, frequently were turned away from ETUs, thereby fostering new chains of transmission. ALIN scientists realized the need for isolation units for infectious diseases and began working on a containment unit with the safety of medical staff, the general population, and the patient’s comfort as priorities within the project.

Fast-forward to 2020. We have a new infectious disease threatening to turn into a world-wide pandemic. The need for infectious care containment units could never be greater. In pursuit of its mission to eliminate infectious diseases, ALIN Foundation scientists unveiled a breakthrough new innovation in infectious containment: The Infectious Care Containment Unit. Medical staff no longer need to fear interacting with infected patients. Within a contained environment, patients can receive treatment with a comfortable, adjustable bed with room to walk around in a temperature-controlled room with connected bathroom. Medical staff will need less personal protective equipment—not having to continuously don hazmat suits—saving time and money for all healthcare facilities. Other patients will also be protected and infected patients do not have to go it alone. Loved ones can safely visit during isolation, aiding in recovery, and creating a humane treatment option for the infected. All bio-waste, including air from the chamber, will be sanitized before being re-introduced outside the unit. These units will make infectious treatment cost effective, safe, and a better over-all experience for all involved.

Diagram of Infectious Care Containment Unit (size varies)

Units are now available for mass distribution. The world has had outbreaks since the beginning of time, but they are becoming more frequent with our population size and ease of connectivity. There are also bio-terrorism implications. We have the ability to prepare for the worse, so when the worse happens, we can prevent the loss of life.