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2003-11 AdvisoryUpdate #14 - Severe Acute Respiratory SyndromeAs of March 29, 2003, Health Canada has received reports of 37 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba. There have been three 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. 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; and Singapore, 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; or Singapore. 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: 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. On March 27, 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended new measures, related to international travel aimed at reducing the risk of further international spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The measures proposed by WHO on the screening of passengers presenting for international travel are under active consideration by Health Canada. Health Canada has discussed this issue with the local airport authority in Toronto and we are putting together a plan. Health Canada is hoping to have something in place in Toronto over the course of the weekend. It is important to note that airlines operating international flights in and out of Canada have been carrying out long-standing procedures to prevent sick passengers from getting on airplanes. Health Canada is ready to respond to any requests for support from provinces and territories on the SARS issue. Health Canada has 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 26, 2003) For Media Enquiries: |
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Last Updated: 2005-02-23 | ![]() |