DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 2, 2003 DHSS-77-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH RECLASSIFIES PROBABLE SARS CASE TO A NON-CASE
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reclassified the state's sole probable case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to a non-case. Based on recent laboratory tests and a change in the case definition used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DPH reclassified the patient from probable SARS to a non-case.
On July 2, 2003, DPH reported that a Delaware resident met the CDC definition of SARS based on the resident's recent travel to Mainland China and symptoms compatible with SARS that began upon return. The patient did not require hospitalization. However, the patient underwent voluntary isolation upon the recommendation of the DPH. On July 17, CDC changed its case definition to reclassify probable cases to non-cases if blood collected more than 28 days after the onset of symptoms tests negative for antibody to the virus believed to cause SARS. Blood tests conducted on the Delaware patient by both CDC and the DPH laboratory showed no evidence of this virus.
As a result of this reclassification, DPH has not identified any Delaware residents meeting the case definition of 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.
