Caltech - Oct. 2003 SARS Update

 

Currently there are no reported or suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at Caltech. This statement went out to the Caltech Community three times during the height of the SARS scare last spring and summer and remains true today-there are no suspected cases of SARS at Caltech at this time.

 

For your information, in Los Angeles County there were a total of 22 suspected cases of SARS during the same period, none of which turned out to be actual SARS cases. The containment of SARS cases last spring and summer was achieved by a worldwide response to the SARS threat that included: treatment of individuals with SARS and isolating them from the general population; restrictions on travel to areas with a concentration of SARS; research; and public awareness of the illness and how to prevent it’s spread.

 

With the coming of fall and winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the potential for another outbreak of SARS cases is a possibility.  The same strategies that helped prevent the spread of SARS then should be employed now:

 

• Limit your contact with other individuals if you experience SARS like symptoms.

§         Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing whether you suspect SARS or not.

§         Wash your hands often, especially during flu season.

§         Limit travel to areas with any outbreaks of SARS.

• Do not go to work or public places if you have symptoms until you have called your physician.  Your physician will instruct you on what to do.
• Be familiar with the symptoms of SARS and call your physician if you have these symptoms:

High fever greater or equal to 100.5 F or > 38 C

Dry, non-productive cough, (no phlegm)

Shortness of breath

Breathing difficulties

 

SARS may be associated with other symptoms like headache, body aches, and loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash or diarrhea. Some persons may experience mild respiratory symptoms at the outset. Symptoms generally appear within 2-7 days, with 3-5 days being the most common number of days before symptoms appear.  Isolated cases with an incubation period as long as 10 days have been documented.

 

For additional information on SARS, you can click on this link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm

 

Stuart Miller, M.D.

Medical Director, Caltech Student Health Services