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2003-11 AdvisoryUpdate #16 - Severe Acute Respiratory SyndromeAs of March 31, 2003, Health Canada has received reports of approximately 129 probable or suspect cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and New Brunswick. There have been four deaths in Canada. All Canadian cases have occurred in persons who have traveled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the household or in a health-care setting. The information contained in this update is based on the best available information Health Canada has at this time. Health Canada is changing the way it is reporting probable and suspect cases of SARS to ensure consistency in reporting across the country. "Probable" cases of SARS are similar to suspect cases, but often they have a more severe illness, with progressive shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and in some cases, chest x-rays show signs of atypical pneumonia. A "suspect" case of SARS is a person who fits into one of the following two categories: a person who develops fever and one or more respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, within 10 days of returning from travel to areas in Asia where SARS cases are being reported, or a person who develops fever and one or more respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, within 10 days of having had close contact with a "probable" case of SARS (i.e. within one metre). The details of the cases to date are as follows:
At this time, the cause of SARS remains unknown, however national and international laboratory testing and collaboration is ongoing. Here are the most recent developments: Due to the mounting concern about transmission of the SARS agent in non-hospital and community settings in the City of Hanoi, Vietnam; the People's Republic of China including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Singapore; and Taiwan, Health Canada recommends that persons planning to travel to these areas should defer all travel until further notice. Health Canada also recommends alternate routing be considered, when possible, if a traveller is transiting through the People's Republic of China including the Hong Kong Special Administrative; City of Hanoi, Vietnam; Singapore; or Taiwan. Health Canada is aware that health authorities in these affected areas are making concerted efforts to contain the spread of SARS in their populations. Given the uncertainties of the current situation, Health Canada believes it is prudent to await the outcome of national and international control measures before undertaking travel to these destinations. For further information on this travel advisory, please see: Effective April 1, 2003, Health Canada will launch an initiative to inform all departing passengers from the Pearson International Airport about symptoms and contact with persons with SARS through the Health Alert Notice (cherry cards). For more information on this initiative, please see: On March 31, 2003, Health Canada sent two mobile x-ray machines and processors to Toronto for two isolation units that are being set up in non-hospital facilities. On March 29, 2003, Health Canada deployed two additional staff to assist Toronto Public Health and the Ontario Ministry of Health with the investigation of SARS cases. This now brings the total number of Health Canada staff assisting in Ontario to seven. The department has also provided guidelines for infection control and recommendations on actions for public health settings. Health Canada is ready to respond to any requests for support from provinces and territories on the SARS issue. Health Canada has also initiated the following activities:
Health Canada will continue to do everything it can to keep Canadians informed and will continue to work with the provinces and territories so that medical officers are fully informed and appropriate steps are taken to mitigate risk. For additional information on SARS, please contact Health Canada's information line at: 1-800-454-8302. For information on previous travel advisories to South East Asia issued by Health Canada and the World Health Organization, please see the following links: World
Health Organization issues emergency travel advisory (March 15, 2003) Health Canada Travel Advisory (March 28, 2003) For Media Enquiries:
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Last Updated: 2005-02-23 | ![]() |