The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) has reinstated a travel alert for Toronto, Canada, because
of reports of new possible cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS).
CDC lifted the travel alert on May 20, 2003, because more than
30 days (or three SARS incubation periods) had elapsed since the
date of onset of symptoms for the last reported case. However,
on May 22, Canadian health officials reported a cluster of five
new probable SARS cases, which led to today’s reinstatement of
CDC’s travel alert for Toronto.
In response to the outbreak of SARS, CDC has issued two types
of notices to travelers: advisories and alerts. A travel advisory
recommends that non-essential travel to an area be postponed.
A travel alert does not advise against travel to a particular
area, but informs travelers of a health concern and provides advice
about precautions they can take to reduce their risk of exposure.
CDC is again recommending that U.S. travelers to Toronto take
precautions to safeguard their health. These include avoiding
settings where there has been evidence of transmission of SARS,
such as health care settings. CDC does not recommend the routine
use of masks or other personal protective equipment while in public
areas.
Global Migration and Quarantine officials from CDC will again
be distributing health alert cards to travelers returning to the
United States from Toronto. The cards outline the symptoms of
SARS and recommend that people returning from Toronto monitor
their health for 10 days and alert their physician if they develop
a fever or respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or shortness
of breath.
CDC also recommends that travelers to Toronto
practice careful hand hygiene – a first line of defense for reducing
an individual’s risk of a variety of infectious diseases, such
as SARS. As a general rule, CDC recommends frequent hand washing
with soap and water. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based
hand rubs may be used as an alternative.
Anyone planning travel to Toronto should be aware of the current
SARS outbreak, stay informed daily about SARS through various
Websites, including www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ and www.who.int,
and closely follow recommended travel advisories and infection
control guidance at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic.htm.
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