PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT -- SARS
This Public Announcement updates information on medical
evacuation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)- affected
individuals, and notes curtailment of some commercial air travel into and
out of affected countries and potential restrictions on transfer of SARS
patients. This supersedes the Public Announcement issued on April
11, 2003, and expires on August 23, 2003.
This Public Announcement reminds Americans that the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a number of
travel advisories for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which are
being posted on its web site (www.cdc.gov).
Health alert notices are being distributed at U.S. airports to people arriving
from SARS-affected areas. Americans planning travel to SARS-affected areas
should monitor the CDC's web site for the latest information. In addition,
Americans should be aware that some countries may bar entry to those travelers
arriving from SARS-affected areas. American citizens may wish to
check with Embassies and/or Consulates of countries they plan to visit
prior to travel. Prospective parents of adoptees in SARS-affected
countries should consult the appropriate link on adoptions at the CDC
website, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm
The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are
tracking SARS' origin and method of transmission as well as determining
how its spread can be contained. SARS has severely taxed health care
systems in affected countries; neighboring countries have curtailed
flights in and out of affected locations and blocked transfer of SARS
patients for medical care. In light of the continually evolving
nature of the geographic spread of SARS, American citizens should
regularly consult the CDC's website (www.cdc.gov) and the WHO's website (www.who.int) for updates.
Strong efforts are being made to contain SARS. Some
countries have implemented measures such as mandatory screening of
incoming passengers at airports, and persons with SARS-like symptoms may
be quarantined and/or sent to designated hospitals until the authorities
are satisfied they do not have SARS.
Medical evacuation of SARS patients remains problematic.
Securing transport and locating a destination willing to accept such
patients is difficult, if not impossible. Since medical evacuation
possibilities may change, family members of SARS patients may wish to
consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate General for the latest
information.
Contact Information for the CDC:
Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST
Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA(404) 639-3311
American citizens currently in or planning to travel to
SARS-affected areas should also consult the Consular Information Sheets
for these countries available at the Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov. American
citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at
1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328, for
information.
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