DHSS Press Release

SARS GUIDELINES FOR DELAWARE RESIDENTS

Recent calls to Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) indicate heightened concern regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) among Delaware residents and employers. Delaware hospitals have reported an increase in questions about the need for isolation and quarantine and in requests for surgical masks for use as protective devices.

Although various respiratory illnesses persist in the community, no cases of SARS have been identified in Delaware since the disease was first described in March by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

DPH continues to monitor disease trends and suspect SARS cases in Delaware to assure appropriate and immediate steps for reducing the potential for transmission. The CDC advises that people planning non-essential travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam postpone their trips until further notice. The following information indicates when residents should seek medical help or remain at home because of a potential for SARS infection.

Travelers to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam 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, tests 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.

Residents with questions or concerns about SARS can contact DPH 24 hours a day at 888-295-5156.

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.