SARS is a viral disease that is spread when someone coughs or sneezes droplets into the air and someone else breathes the droplets in. It is possible that SARS also can be spread more broadly through the air or by touching objects that have become contaminated.
Case Definition
1) Fever measured greater than 100.4 F (38 C) with headache/body ache AND
2) Respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath) AND
3) Travel within 10 days of symptoms to Beijing, China (this includes transit in the airport)
OR close contact with a symptomatic person who has SARS or has traveled to a SARS area within 10 days of symptoms (close contact is defined as having cared for, or lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids). Casual contact has not resulted in documented transmission.
Exposed symptomatic students who develop fever or respiratory symptoms during the 10 days following exposure should avoid contact with others, practice infection control precautions (see below), and seek immediate medical evaluation. Call the health facility in advance of your arrival so that appropriate infection control measures may be started. If the disease does not progress, the student may resume normal activities in 72 hours if approved by the doctor. Any exposure will be reported to the Madison County Health Department (MCHD) and the Dean of Students. Potentially exposed students and University personnel will be monitored in consultation with the MCHD.
Exposed non symptomatic students should not be excluded from classes; however, they should be watchful for onset of illness for 10 days after the exposure. The exposure should be reported to Health Service.
Infection control precautions:
- Good hand washing is essential.
- Proper disposal of tissues is vital.
- The primary focus of SARS surveillance activities in the United States is early identification and isolation of patients who have suspected SARS.
- Travelers may wish to reschedule trips to areas in the world where SARS is epidemic. A travel advisory recommends that nonessential travel be deferred. A travel alert informs travelers of a health concern.
There is no medicine available to prevent SARS. Treatment at this time consists of supportive care, which may include anti viral, antibiotic, and steroid therapy.
For more detailed information:
www.cdc.gov (Center for Disease Control)
www.who.int (World Health Organization)
www.idph.state.il.us/health (Illinois Department of Public Health)
CONTACT HEALTH SERVICE OR YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR CONCERNS.