Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

For Immediate Release
Date: April 2, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, Ph.D., 401-222-1017

Public Health Advisory

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an emerging, flu-like respiratory illness causing great concern among public health officials worldwide.

Officials believe, but are not certain, that a new strain of coronavirus causes the disease. Other coronaviruses cause the common cold and mild forms of diarrhea. Transmission of the disease from one person to another appears to require close contact. The National Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) defines "close contact" as having cared for, having lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a patient known to be a suspect SARS case.

Due to the newness of this disease and its resistance to traditional treatments, state and local public health officials through-out the nation continue to monitor the population closely in order to identify any new cases as quickly as possible. In addition, the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) urges residents to reduce possible exposure to SARS, by following these steps:

• If you have a fever and "dry cough," minimize contact with other people.
• Cough or sneeze into a facial tissue whenever possible and discard it properly.
• Wash hands frequently (soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaner)
• Avoid travel to areas where people are sick with SARS, especially:
• Mainland China and Hong Kong
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• If you recently returned from one of these countries, and become ill with fever and a cough (or difficulty breathing) within 10 days, call your personal physician immediately.

HEALTH will keep the public informed if any new developments occur in Rhode Island. For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/, www.HEALTH.ri.gov or contact the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.