Travel Information - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Updated: January 16, 2004

Recently, there have been media reports and official confirmations of sporadic SARS cases in the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese authorities are currently conducting detailed investigations to learn how these cases became infected. The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring the situation closely through its Global Health Intelligence Network and liaison with the WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Presently, as well as during the previous international outbreaks, there has been reference to the possible role of wild animals as reservoirs for the SARS coronavirus (SARS CoV). The data on the role of animals in the origin, transmission and reservoir of SARS CoV are limited. SARS-like viruses have been detected in the Himalayan palm civet (civet cat), racoon-dog and the Chinese ferret badger, which were tested from wild animal markets selling animals for human consumption. In addition, antibody studies in people working in these markets have shown that some of these workers have had prior infection with SARS CoV and some early SARS cases were associated with animal markets. Much more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be reached.

Sources:

WHO Disease Outbreak News (January, 2003)  New England Journal of Medicine (1) Canadian Medical Association Journal (2) WHO Disease Outbreak News (May, 2003)

Recommendations

Canadian travellers are reminded to practice good personal hygiene (e.g., good hand-washing practices) while travelling. Disease-causing microorganisms can frequently be found on the hands. Hand-washing is the single most important procedure for preventing infections. Travellers are recommended to wash hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

If you visited wild animals markets or consumed wild animals in Guangdong Province during your travels you should monitor your health for 10 days following your arrival in Canada. If you develop a fever AND one or more of the following symptoms during the 10-day period, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that you seek medical advice immediately:

• chills
• muscle aches
• feeling generally "unwell"
• headache
• cough
• shortness of breath
• difficulty breathing.

If possible, call ahead to your physician or your local public health unit/department for information about the appropriate Emergency Department to visit for medical assessment. While the presence of these symptoms may not indicate that you have SARS, it is nevertheless important to ensure that if you do get these symptoms, you stay away from other people until you have been assessed for SARS. These actions are very important for preventing the spread of SARS.

You can obtain up-to-date health alert information in English or French from Health Canada at www.sars.gc.ca. Alternatively, in Canada, you can call 1 (800) 454-8302.

Frequently asked questions:

Travellers to China may be concerned about the current situation. The following questions are asked frequently:

1. Is it safe to travel to China now?

Answer: With respect to SARS, it is safe to travel to China at present. Chinese authorities have instituted rigorous control measures, including isolation of all contacts of confirmed or suspect cases. To date, there have been no reports of any spread to any other persons. The cases reported so far are isolated events.

2. Should I avoid travel to Guangdong Province?

Answer: At present, there are no reasons to avoid travelling to Guangdong Province. There are no reports of outbreaks in the entire province or in the capital city of Guangzhou. It would be prudent, however, to avoid visiting the hospital in Guangzhou where confirmed or suspect cases are being treated.

3. Should I avoid certain places or activities while in Guangdong Province?

Answer: While the data are limited, and until more information is available, as a precautionary measure, it would be prudent for travellers to avoid wild animal markets in China, especially contact with palm civets, racoon-dogs and Chinese ferret badgers. While these species and other wild animals are traditionally considered delicacies and are sold for human consumption, travellers should avoid consumption of the species identified.

1. SARS - One Year Later. New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 349, 25. (December 18, 2003)

2. Why SARS Will not Return - A Polymic. Canadian Medical Association Journal, Volume 170. (January, 2004)