sars

sars

Hi Nicola, as discussed this morning.

We have a small number of confirmed SARS cases in the UK at present.

However, Police Officers and staff have raised some concerns as some have

to deal with members of the public who have just arrived from other parts

of the world which have a great number of SARS cases eg China, Hong Kong

etc.

Our response has been to issue staff with information provided to us by the

UK Department of Health.

This states as follows,

The SARS virus is relatively new and therefore not fully understood at

present. However, it is known to have flu like symptoms and affects the

respiratory system.

The virus appears to be spread by direct person to person contact. The

incubation period is 3-6 days, during which time there may be no symptoms.

It is thought that the virus originates from Asia. Infected areas include;

China

(Beijing and Quadong provinces); Hong Kong; Hanoi; Singapore; Toronto; and

Taiwan.

Anyone who has travelled in the above infected areas who develop flu-like

symptoms, ( headache, tiredness, sore throat and dry cough), should seek

medical advice.

Staff who have been in recent contact with someone from an infected area

with these symptoms, is advised to seek medical advice.

Further information is also available via Public health website:

phls.org.uk

Additionally we have issued protective face masks to officers which they

can use if they are concerned that a person they are dealing with is

potentially effected.

Hope this helps

Regards

Alan.