| July 29, 2004 This Fact Sheet provides U.S. citizens with general information on how to gain access to the latest information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This updates the SARS Fact Sheet dated August 25, 2003. If traveling to an area reporting SARS cases or if concerned about SARS, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site, http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) web site, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/travel_advice.htm. The CDC and the WHO regularly update their web sites to reflect changes in what is known about SARS and provide the latest in travel guidance. The CDC also provides SARS guidance for U.S. citizens living abroad at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/warden_notice.htm. During the SARS epidemic in 2003, some countries barred entry to or quarantined travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas; U.S. citizens should be aware that this may happen again should another epidemic occur. SARS severely taxed health care systems in some affected countries; neighboring countries curtailed flights in and out of affected locations and blocked transfer of SARS patients for medical care. Strong efforts were made to contain SARS in 2003. Some countries have activated stringent containment measures when SARS has appeared either in-country or in a neighboring country. These measures include, but are not limited to, mandatory screening of incoming passengers at airports and quarantining persons with SARS-like symptoms and/or sending them to designated hospitals until the authorities are satisfied that they do not have SARS. Medical evacuation of SARS patients remains problematic and costly. Securing transport and locating a destination willing to accept such patients can be very difficult. Since medical evacuation possibilities may change as time passes, family members of SARS patients may wish to consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate General for the latest information. Obtaining SARS information from the Department of State: Call toll-free, 1-888-407-4747; if calling from overseas, call 317-472-2328, for information on SARS-affected countries. Visit http:/travel.state.gov to consult the Consular Information Sheet for the SARS affected country. If in the process of adopting a child from a SARS-affected country, prospective parents of adoptees should consult http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm. Contacting CDC about SARS: 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 Contacting the WHO Liaison Office about SARS: Telephone: (202)331-9081
Facsimile: (202)331-9097 Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA | 
