OMAHA,
Neb., May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists
from the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the
University of Nebraska recently spent
nine days at sea on board the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Mercy,
to conduct testing for the underway phase of an infectious aerosol
risk study.
The USNS Mercy's primary mission is to provide an afloat,
mobile, acute surgical facility to the U.S. military that is
flexible, capable and uniquely adaptable to support expeditionary
warfare. MERCY's secondary mission is to provide full hospital
services to support U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian
operations worldwide. In addition to a 1,000-bed capacity, the
hospital ship includes four intensive care units and an isolation
ward.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USNS Mercy and its sister
hospital ship, USNS Comfort, deployed to Los Angeles and New
York City, respectively. The study aims to identify risks
associated with infectious airborne pathogens, including
SARS-CoV-2, so decision makers can implement strategies to mitigate
risks and ensure operational readiness and mission success.
"Lessons learned and recommendations from the COVID-related
deployments highlighted the need to further evaluate particle
dispersal in the medical spaces of the ship to identify potential
risks to medical staff and patients," said Marty Sikes, associate executive director of
NSRI chemical and biological defense programs. "To my knowledge
this is the first study of its kind conducted on the hospital ships
while underway."
Funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an NSRI team led
by Donnie Huston, research
scientist, and supported by Sikes and Senior Scientists
Rick Arestad and Kevin Crown, investigated particle dispersal in
the complex and turbulent shipboard environment. The team used
fluorescent tracer particles with unique signatures not naturally
present to quantify existing risks and optimize mitigation
strategies.
The team conducted 59 tests using a custom aerosol generator
designed by NSRI Gabe Lucero, senior research engineer, and a
network of particle sensors that provided continuous environmental
monitoring. Placement of the sensors throughout the ship's medical
spaces allowed for precise, real-time measurement of airborne
particle spread and clearance.
Findings and conclusions from the study will play a critical
role in informing how the Navy and Military Sealift Command
protects medical staff and patients from aerosolized pathogens on
the only two hospital ships in the fleet.
"As a retired Naval Officer, it was an exciting opportunity for
me to be at sea again and spend time with today's sailors," Sikes
said. "It was also a rewarding experience knowing that our efforts
will have a direct impact on protecting sailors and patients."
About the National Strategic Research
Institute
Through the National Strategic Research Institute
at the University of Nebraska leading
scientists deliver innovative national security research,
technology, product and strategy development, training and
exercises, and subject matter expertise to the Department of
Defense and other federal agencies. One of only 15 DOD-designated
University Affiliated Research Centers in the country, NSRI is
sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and works to ensure
the United States' safety and
preparedness against increasingly sophisticated threats. Read
about our mission.
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SOURCE National Strategic Research Institute