Isolation ward

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Isolation Ward

An Isolation Ward (pronunciation: /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən wɔːrd/) is a separate hospital ward used to isolate patients suffering from infectious diseases. This is a standard medical practice designed to control the spread of diseases, especially in the case of a pandemic or epidemic.

Etymology

The term "Isolation Ward" is derived from the word 'isolate', which comes from the Latin word 'insula', meaning 'island'. The term 'ward' in the medical context, refers to a division within a hospital where patients are accommodated.

Function

The primary function of an Isolation Ward is to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Patients are kept in isolation, where healthcare professionals use a variety of infection control measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent the disease from spreading to other patients, staff, and visitors.

Types of Isolation Wards

There are different types of Isolation Wards, depending on the nature of the disease and the level of isolation required. These include:

  • Contact Isolation: Used when the disease can be spread through direct or indirect contact.
  • Droplet Isolation: Used when the disease can be spread through droplets in the air.
  • Airborne Isolation: Used when the disease can be spread through the air over long distances.

Related Terms

  • Quarantine: A period of isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Biocontainment: A set of preventive measures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Infectious Disease: A disease caused by microorganisms that invade tissue.

External links

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