Cross-infection risk related to use of portable fans in a healthcare setting

Chloe Hylton - Microbiology Department, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Prescot, United Kingdom

Kerryanne Brown - Microbiology Department, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Prescot, United Kingdom

Kalani Mortimer - Microbiology Department, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Prescot, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v22.23842

Keywords:

IPC, Fans, MRSA, NHS, cross-infection hazard

Abstract

Hospital environments pose infection risks. During a meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in an adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a visibly contaminated bladeless Dyson® fan at the bedside of a previous outbreak patient prompted a microbiological investigation. Four sections of the bladeless Dyson® fan were swabbed to identify potentially pathogenic organisms, with confirmed isolates undergoing whole genome sequencing. Results identified MRSA, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Aspergillus niger. The MRSA strain identified on the bladeless fan matched the outbreak strain.

Existing research acknowledges the infection risks associated with inadequate ventilation and the use of fans in healthcare settings. The pandemic highlighted the importance of ventilation; however, comprehensive guidance on the use of portable fans in healthcare settings is yet to be provided. The contaminated fan was removed and disposed of, and trust wide communication was given recommending all portable fans to be removed from the trust.

This case study confirmed the presence of potential pathogens on a bladeless Dyson® fan in an ICU. This further highlights the need for cleanable fan designs and research into the safe use of these devices to mitigate infection risks whilst addressing ventilation and cooling needs in healthcare settings.

How to Site:

Hylton, C., Brown, K., & Mortimer, K. (2026). Cross-infection risk related to use of portable fans in a healthcare setting. International Journal of Infection Control, 22. https://doi.org/10.3396/ijic.v22.23842

References

1. Li H, Cui Q, Kong X, Fan M. Study on the infection control performance under interactive cascade ventilation: a focus on a conference room environment. Build Environ 2024; 250: 111161. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111161

2. Body R. Do fans spread infection in clinical areas? Emerg Med J 2008; 25(10): 689. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.065706

3. Wong WC, Chen JH-K, Yuen LL-H, Chan VW-M, AuYeung CH-Y, Leung SS-M, et al. Air dispersal of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in residential care home for the elderly: implications for transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Hosp Infect. 2022; 123: 52–60. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.02.012

4. Brooks K, Landeg O, Kovats S, Sewell M, O’Connell E. Heatwaves, hospitals, and health system resilience in England: a qualitative assessment of frontline perspectives from the hot summer of 2019. BMJ Open 2023; 13(3): e068298. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068298

5. Lenzer B, Rupprecht M, Hoffmann C, Hoffmann P, Liebers U. Health effects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning on hospital patients: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20(1): 1287. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09358-1

6. Dhanda J, Gray J, White H. Bacterial cross-infection related to the use of bladeless fans in a clinical setting. J Hosp Infect. 2019; 103(4): 478–80. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2019.08.020

7. Alsaffar L, Osborne L, Bourne NT. Bacterial colonization of bladeless electrical fans. J Hosp Infect. 2018; 100(4): 476–77. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.08.020

8. Estates and Facilities Alert. Portable fans in health and social care facilities: risk of cross infection. Reference: EFA/2019/00. Crown Publication. London: NHS England; 2019.

9. Health Protection Scotland. SBAR: Portable cooling fans for use in clinical areas. 2018. Available from: https://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/media/1659/2018-08-sbar-fans-v1.pdf [cited 21 June 2025].

10. NHS England. Hot weather alert: tips for staff and patients. [infographic]. Internal communication. Prescot: Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals; 2024.

Copyright (c) 2026 Chloe Hylton, Kerryanne Brown, Kalani Mortimer

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to IJIC. Read the full Copyright- and Licensing Statement.