Emergency Preparedness: Updates and Information for the Dartmouth Community
SARS Update from Dr. Jack Turco, Director of College Health Services
To: Dartmouth Students, Staff and Faculty
From: John Turco, M.D., Director Dartmouth College Health Service
Date: April 22, 2003
Re: Information related to SARS
I am writing to inform the Dartmouth community about SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, an illness that is being closely tracked by health agencies worldwide. We would like you to have as much information as possible, let you know what we are doing to prevent the potential spread of this illness, and ask that you remain alert to its symptoms. Over the last two months there have been reports of cases or suspected cases of SARS primarily in certain parts of southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, mainland China, Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore. There are more than 50 cases currently being investigated in the United States and Canada in individuals who have recently traveled to these regions.
The infection appears to be caused by a virus, and can be transmitted from one person to others through close physical proximity. The World Health Organization is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health agencies worldwide to monitor the spread of SARS, identify the virus responsible for the infection, and find effective treatment methods.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
If you have recently (within the last 10 days) returned to the United States from mainland China, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam or Singapore you should be aware of the early symptoms of SARS. If these symptoms appear you should immediately go to the DHMC emergency room for evaluation. The early symptoms include a fever of 100.5º F or higher (38º C or more) accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
If you are planning to travel to southeast Asia, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Vietnam or Singapore, you should consult the CDC web site before making final travel plans. Up to date information about SARS can be found on the Dick's House website, and also on this Emergency Preparedness website.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
If you become ill with a measured fever of 100.5º F or higher, shortness of breath, cough and other respiratory symptoms and have traveled or have close contact with individuals who have traveled to the regions listed above, you should go to the DHMC emergency room immediately for evaluation.
If you are a student concerned that you may have symptoms similar to the ones described above and would like to speak with a healthcare provider before making the decision to go to the emergency room, please call Dick's House at 603-650-1484. If you are a faculty or staff member, please contact your primary care physician.
WHAT DARTMOUTH IS DOING:
The health and well-being of everyone in the Dartmouth community is our highest priority. Dartmouth Health Services, DHMC and the New Hampshire Public Health Department are working together to monitor current information about SARS.
Physicians at Dick's House, DHMC and College officials are working to ensure that the community has the most current information as promptly as possible.
We are encouraging students, faculty and staff who have recently returned from or are planning travel to the areas mentioned above to monitor the links listed above.
If you are a student and have questions or concerns about SARS that have not been answered by the CDC's website, you may call Dick's House at: 603-650-1484.
If you are a member of the Dartmouth faculty or staff and have questions about SARS, please contact your primary care physician.
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