SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
Since early 2003, there has been an outbreak of a serious respiratory disease originating in Asia and spreading rapidly to other areas of the world. This illness, called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), is caused by a virus and highly contagious. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control have issued health alerts. This information is continuously changing, however. Please check the WHO www.who.int/csr/sars/en or CDC www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars websites for the most recent updates.

For your information, areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS include Toronto, Canada, all of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Viet Nam, and Singapore.

A suspected case has the following characteristics:
  1. Respiratory illness of unknown etiology with onset since February 1, 2003,
  2. Measured temperature of >100.5 °F (>38° C) AND
  3. One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or radiographic findings of either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome) AND
  4. Travel within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS, OR
  5. Close contact* within 10 days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspect SARS case.

*Close contact is defined 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.

At the present time, there is no satisfactory treatment for SARS. Although no cases have been identified in Hawaii, many activities at the Manoa campus involve participation of people either coming from or traveling to the areas with SARS.

These precautionary measures are advised:

  • Non-essential or elective traveling should be limited.
  • Individuals with symptoms of illnesses fitting the SARS criteria should see their medical providers as soon as possible.
  • Those coming into contact with suspected cases should wear protective articles such as mask and gloves.
  • Wash hands at regular intervals.

REMEMBER:

  • DO NOT PANIC.
  • Not all respiratory illnesses are SARS - the great majority is still the common cold, and many illnesses are accompanied by fever.
  • Not all persons coming from SARS areas have SARS, nor could they transmit the illness unless they actually have the illness.

For more information, check www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/faq.htm

Students & Visitors Arriving From Areas At Risk For SARS, click here.
For SARS Prevention Information, click here.


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Last Updated: 03.01.2008