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SARS Information for TWU Students
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a viral respiratory illness that has been reported in Asia, North America, and Europe. Almost all U.S. cases have occurred among travelers returning to the United States from areas of community transmission. The CDC has issued travel alert warnings for these areas, currently; China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. To obtain the most up to date information from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, go to www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ and www.who.int/csr/sars/en/ .
In general, SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4º F (38ºC) and after 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and difficulty breathing. SARS is spread through close person-to-person contact with someone with SARS or direct contact with items contaminated with the respiratory secretions of a SARS patient.
CDC has issued recommendations and guidelines for people who may be affected by this outbreak. The CDC recommends that nonessential travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan be postponed until further notice. For individuals who must travel to a SARS-affected area, The CDC recommends frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with large numbers of people. Special precautions to safeguard health should be observed when traveling to Hanoi, Singapore, and Toronto. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel_advice.htm for more CDC advice to travelers.
TWU students should avoid traveling to or through SARS-affected areas during semester and summer breaks. At this moment (May 1, 2003), any traveler returning from China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan may have been exposed to cases of SARS. If travel to these areas is unavoidable, you must monitor your health for at least 10 after you leave the area of concern. If you become ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, consult a physician or go to an emergency room immediately.
You should plan your travel to leave a SARS-affected area at least 10 days prior to returning to campus in order to avoid being in the residence halls or classrooms during this 10 day observation period.
Any student who has traveled to or through a SARS-affected area or has been in close contact with a known case of SARS and is returning to the campus area less than 10 days after the travel or exposure should contact the Student Health Service Advice Line at 940-898-3826 prior to returning to campus. A medical excuse can be provided if necessary for classes missed due a 10 day observation period.
According to CDC as of April 2003, SARS transmission in the United States has not been associated with casual contact at school or other public gatherings. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/exposurestudents.htm |
