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University Communications

University Update on SARS

May 16, 2003

The University of Richmond continues to monitor the worldwide Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) situation in relation to our University community. At this time, we are following the guidelines and recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This University Web page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Please check this Web site as well as the Web sites for the CDC and WHO regularly for the most current information (links to these sites are listed below).

To date, most reported cases of SARS in the United States have been acquired during international travel to countries where SARS is being transmitted in the community. In the United States, only a small number of suspected or probable cases of SARS have been detected among exposed health-care personnel and household contacts of SARS patients.

Casual contact with SARS patients at schools, other institutions, or public gatherings (e.g., attending the same class or meeting) has not resulted in documented transmission in the United States.

As a result, at this time, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend canceling or postponing classes, meetings or other gatherings that will include persons traveling to the United States from areas with SARS.

The CDC is working closely with WHO and other partners as part of a global collaboration to address the SARS outbreak. The following comprehensive activities are taking place to prevent importation and spread of SARS from inbound passengers:

  • Stringent outbreak control measures, including isolation of SARS patients and quarantine of their exposed contacts, in countries with SARS;
  • Pre-embarkation screening of persons traveling from areas with SARS to defer travel for those with symptoms or signs of SARS or exposure to known SARS patients in the past 10 days;
  • Assessment by health authorities of ill persons aboard arriving flights from an area with SARS to ensure that ill passengers are isolated and evaluated promptly upon arrival and that appropriate follow-up of other passengers occurs, as necessary;
  • Distribution of health alert notices to travelers arriving in the United States from areas with SARS to notify them of the importance of monitoring their health closely for a period of 10 days following departure, and for persons who develop fever or respiratory symptoms, the need to promptly seek medical evaluation; and
  • Rapid detection and isolation of persons in the United States who have traveled from an area with SARS and have symptoms compatible with early suspected SARS within 10 days of arrival.

At this time, the CDC does not recommend quarantine of persons arriving from areas with SARS.

Frequently Asked Questions About SARS

Q: What are common symptoms of SARS?
A: Fever in excess of 100.4 F (38 C)
Chills or uncontrollable shaking
Headache, fatigue and muscle aches
Respiratory symptoms such as a dry, unproductive cough, or shortness of breath
AND
Travel within 10 days of onset of symptoms to or from an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS
OR
Close contact within 10 days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspected SARS case.
   
Q: What is the University doing to address the SARS matter?
A: The University's Emergency Response Team (ERT) is monitoring the SARS situation. Appropriate plans are in place to maintain the health of our campus community. The ERT is also in regular contact with local health authorities. We will continue to keep you advised of the ERT's efforts via e-mails and appropriate postings on the University's web site.
   
Q: What areas are currently under a SARS travel advisory?
A: Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. (Vietnam, Toronto and Singapore have been removed.)

For the most credible, up-to-date information on SARS, and for travel advisories, check the following web sites, which are refreshed daily as new authenticated information becomes available:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://www.CDC.gov/ncidod/sars/

World Health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/

U.S. Dept. of State Travel Warnings and Consular Information
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

Other resources include:

University of Richmond Health Services:
804-289-8064 or http://oncampus.richmond.edu/Student_Affairs/student_health/.