Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
1 / 2 / 3
Q : Is the outbreak in Guangdong Province, China linked ?
A : Extensive investigation is under way to better understand the outbreak of atypical (unusual) pneumonia that began in Guangdong province in November 2002. Findings from this investigation should help clarify possible links with cases of SARS.
Q : Could this result from bioterrorism ?
A : There is no indication that SARS is linked to bioterrorism.
Q : Should we be worried ?
A : This illness can be severe and, due to global travel, has spread to several countries in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, there is cause for concern. However, SARS is not highly contagious when protective measures are used, and the percentage of cases that have been fatal is low. More than 90% of the cases as of 15 March are in health workers who can protect themselves through barrier nursing techniques. Around 10% of cases to date are close contacts of hospital workers and patients. (Close contact means having cared for, lived with or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS.) Since the WHO global alert issued on 15 March, only isolated cases have been identified and no secondary outbreaks have occurred.
Q : Is it safe to travel ?
A : WHO has not recommended restricting travel to any destination in the world. However, all travellers should be aware of the main symptoms and signs of SARS, as given above. People who have these symptoms and have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS, or have a recent history of travel to areas where cases of SARS have been spreading, should seek medical attention and inform health care staff of recent travel. Travellers who develops these symptoms are advised not to undertake further travel until fully recovered.
Q : What is the purpose of a global travel advisory ?
A : The purpose of the advisory WHO issued on 15 Marchis to tell people what SARS looks like and what they need to report to a physician. The WHO alert does not recommend cancellation of, or change in, travel plans. Trade and tourism should not be restricted. The purpose of the alert is to heighten the awareness of travellers, health authorities, and physicians, not to restrict travel.
Q : Could this be the next flu pandemic ?
A : Tests have not yet determined that the causative agent of SARS is influenza, although this was an initial concern.
Q What does WHO recommend ?
A : WHO recommends that global surveillance continue and that suspected cases are reported to national health authorities. WHO urges national health authorities to remain on the alert for suspected cases and followed recommended protective measures. SARS patients should be isolated and cared for using barrier nursing techniques and provided with symptomatic treatment.
Q : How can the public keep apprised of the situation ?
A : The public is advised to consult the home page of the WHO website: for daily updates on the outbreak and relevant press releases. More information is available on the WHO SARS web page which is easily accessed through the WHO home page or through: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Many national authorities have also established web sites with excellent information for both the general public and the medical profession.
1 / 2 / 3