DHSS Press Release

DELAWARE'S FIRST PROBABLE SARS CASE

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) is investigating a Delaware resident with probable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The resident recently traveled to mainland China and experienced illness consistent with SARS upon return. Based upon clinical information and travel history, the resident meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) case definition for a probable case of SARS. The patient did not require hospitalization and is currently in home isolation. Prompt medical assessment, evaluation and rapid reporting by the physician of record assured that appropriate infection control measures were followed to reduce secondary exposure and infection. There has been no workplace exposure since the resident became ill.

Travelers to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Hanoi, Vietnam, Taiwan and Toronto, Canada or those who have come into contact with someone known to have SARS should monitor their own health and seek medical attention only if they develop the following symptoms within 10 days:

• Fever over 100.4 F AND
• One or more of the following: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, had test results indicating low levels of oxygen in the blood, or X-ray findings of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress.

There is no reason to seek medical care for SARS, to limit activities outside the home, or be excluded from school or work for persons who:

• Have not traveled to these countries or have not had contact with someone known to have SARS, even if they have the symptoms described above. (However, such persons may need to consult their primary health care provider because the symptoms could suggest a health problem other than SARS.)
• Do not have the symptoms described above, even if they have traveled to these countries or have had contact with someone known to have SARS.

There are some common-sense measures that apply to many infectious diseases that residents can take to prevent the spread of SARS. The most important is frequent hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand rubs. In addition, residents should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands and encourage people nearby to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Most U.S. cases of SARS have occurred among travelers returning to the United States from other parts of the world with SARS. There have been very few cases as a result of spread to close contacts such as family members and health care workers. Currently, there is no evidence that SARS is spreading more widely in the community in the United States. As of July 1, 2003, the total number of U.S. SARS cases is 420. This number includes 73 probable cases and 347 suspected cases.

For further information regarding SARS, contact the DPH at 1-888-295-5156 or visit the CDC SARS website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.