Health Department update
April 28, 2003
Lindsay Hodges
Department of HealthDepartment of Health Provides Update on Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Tallahassee - The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating one additional suspect case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) - a 58-year-old male Sarasota County resident treated in a Charlotte County medical facility. DOH is reporting a total to date of 15 suspect cases and two probable cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
DOH is working with the CDC to identify potential cases of SARS in citizens and visitors to Florida. The state is working with local health officials and clinicians to watch for patients who became sick after February 1 and have symptoms of the respiratory illness.
As of April 24, 2003, the CDC reported 213 suspect and 41 probable cases, for a combined total of 254 suspect and probable SARS cases in 38 states.
CASE CRITERIA
The CDC has adopted the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition for a probable case; therefore, the CDC now has distinct criteria for suspect and probable cases. In order to be classified a suspect case under the current definition, a patient must meet the criteria of both a measured temperature of greater than 100.4 oF AND a cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing IN ADDITION to having been exposed to a suspect case of SARS or having recently traveled, including transit in an airport, to an impacted country. A probable case meets the criteria for a suspect case AND has radiographic (x-ray) evidence of pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.
Individuals who have fever, respiratory symptoms, and have traveled to or have been in close contact (having cared for, having lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids) with someone who has traveled to affected areas of the world should call their doctor. Doctors should report cases they are treating to their County Health Department.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
The CDC's most recent travel advisory for SARS calls for deferring non-essential travel to all of mainland China; Hong Kong; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Singapore. Additionally, individuals planning travel to Toronto, Canada should be aware of the current SARS outbreak, stay informed daily about SARS through the various websites, including http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ and http://www.who.int, and closely follow recommended travel advisories and infection control guidance http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic.htm
Agwunobi recommends the following measures individuals can follow to prevent the spread of SARS and other illnesses:
- Remember to cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least two minutes each wash, with soap and water, especially before and after meals, when using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, or after coming in contact with publicly-used items
- Avoid contact with individuals sick or feeling ill
- Stay home or out of school if you are sick or feeling ill
For more information, including the CDC case definitions for SARS, frequently asked questions, precautions for close contacts, and guidelines regarding hand washing, visit the DOH website at www.doh.state.fl.us. The Department of Health will provide updates each Monday, Wednesday and Friday to update the number of suspected SARS cases in the state and provide the most recent information on the state's response to SARS. Intermediate updates will be provided as needed.
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