Public advisory on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Public health officials from the Department of Health and Community Services wish to advise the public that cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have been identified in Canada. All individuals with this infection have either travelled to Asia or have had close contact with other persons diagnosed with SARS. To date there have been no cases reported in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"It is important to make the public aware of the symptoms and factors related to SARS, and to reassure that there is no need for alarm," said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador. "It is important to remember that we are still in the flu season and many of the symptoms related to SARS (high fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing) are the same as those common with influenza. The distinguishing factor for SARS is that an individual has travelled to Asia or has had close contact with a person diagnosed with SARS within the previous 10 days."

Currently, there are outbreaks of this severe pneumonia in Asia: Vietnam (City of Hanoi), Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Individuals who have either recently travelled to Asia or who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with SARS and who develop these flu-like symptoms, should call ahead to their family physician to discuss the symptoms and travel history and to arrange for a medical assessment.

Anyone planning travel to Asia is reminded to practice good personal hygiene (e.g., frequent hand-washing, cover coughs, etc.). A travel advisory outlining precautions has been issued by Health Canada on their public web site - www.hc-sc.gc.ca . The travel advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.

"While the cause of SARS remains unknown, national and international discussion and collaboration is ongoing," said Dr. Stratton. "Public health officials from this province are working with Health Canada and other provinces and territories to identify the details of the problem in Canada and to prevent further spread. Local public health regions have increased surveillance for the recognition and reporting of any SARS cases and will carry out contact tracing and any other necessary follow-up."

For further information contact: Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health, (709) 729-3430

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2003 03 18                                         3:50 p.m.