Ask a Nurse
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The latest on SARS..... |
Ask a Nurse:
Your Travel Health
Q. The papers have been
filled with reports on SARS.
What is SARS and what are the symptoms?
A. Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) has understandably made travelers nervous. However, education
and wise planning can take some of the fear out of traveling to regions affected
by this disease.
According to the American Center for Disease Control (CDC) SARS is a respiratory
illness which seems to be caused by a previously unrecognized coronavirus. It
usually begins with a fever greater than 100.4 Fahrenheit. Symptoms may include
headache, discomfort, body aches, and mild respiratory symptoms. In 2-3 days,
the patient may develop a dry cough and have difficulty breathing.
Q. How do people catch SARS?
A. The transmission methods
of SARS have not been positively identified, but it appears to be transmitted
through person-to-person contact. The majority of cases have involved those who
have cared for, or lived with a person with SARS. Others have become ill after
coming in contact with infectious material, such as respiratory droplets from a
sneeze or cough. Similar to the transmission methods of the common cold, SARS is
potentially spread through touching an infectious droplet from a contaminated
surface, and then touching an eye or mouth. It is also possible that SARS is
spread through the air.
Q. How is SARS treated?
A. According to the CDC,
treatment of SARS is similar to that
of any serious community-acquired atypical pneumonia.
Q. Where has SARS been
reported?
A. SARS has been reported in
Asia, North America, and Europe, with the largest concentration of cases being
in parts of China and Toronto, Canada. As of May 7, 2003, the reported number of
cases worldwide was 6,903, with the number of deaths at 495. Aggressive
measures, including quarantine actions, have been taken to bring the outbreaks
under control.
Before traveling
internationally, especially to China, check the WHO (World Health Organization)
website for their most recent recommendations at
www.who.int/en or see the Center for Disease Control at
www.cdc.gov.
Debbie Miller is a
registered nurse who reports on health issues for Go World Travel. Send ideas
and questions on health concerns while traveling to
health@goworldtravel.com.
