Skip to main content
CNN EditionWorld
The Web    CNN.com     
Powered by
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SERVICES
 
 
 
SEARCH
Web CNN.com
powered by Yahoo!

Travel tips for avoiding SARS

CDC: Try to avoid crowds as much as possible.
CDC: Try to avoid crowds as much as possible.

Story Tools

more video VIDEO
In the wake of the fast-spreading SARS virus, there's a new dilemma for international travelers -- to fly or not to fly. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports
premium content
RELATED

• Frequently Asked Questions: SARS 
• Country breakdown: Suspect and probable cases of SARS 
• Special report: SARS virus on the move 
• TIME.com: China and SARS external link

SARS FACTS

Suspect case: A person who develops high fever (greater than 38 C / 100.4 F) and respiratory symptoms such as cough, breathing difficulty or shortness of breath, within 10 days of

1) having had close contact with a person who is a suspect or probable case of SARS.
or
2) having traveled to or resided in an affected area.

Probable case:  A suspect case with chest X-ray findings of pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.

QUICKVOTE
What should be done to prevent the further spread of SARS?

More travel bans
More quarantine
More medical checks
Enough being done
VIEW RESULTS

LONDON, England -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travellers unable to cancel or delay trips to mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

On its official Web site, the CDC says before leaving travellers should:

• Educate themselves and fellow travellers about the outbreak and its symptoms.

• Assemble a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies including a thermometer, household disinfectant, surgical masks, disposable gloves and alcohol-based hand rubs.

• Check with healthcare providers to make sure travellers are up to date with all of the recommended shots for international travel.

• Identify healthcare resources in their final destinations and research medical evacuation services.

To protect against SARS while in an infected area, the CDC recommends travellers:

• Wash their hands frequently.

• Avoid crowds as much as possible.

• Practice proper hand hygiene -- frequent washing or use of alcohol-based rubs.

• Wear surgical masks if in close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

If becoming ill with fever and respiratory symptoms during a trip, the CDC strongly recommends travellers:

• Visit a healthcare provider.

• Limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent the spread of any infectious illness.

• Wear a surgical mask but if unable to do so, encourage those in close contact to wear one.

• Use disposable gloves for any direct contact with body fluids, such as sweat, urine or feces, of a person with SARS.

• Never re-use gloves and never replace hand hygiene with gloves.

• Avoid sharing eating utensils, towels and bedding.

• Clean all surfaces such as toilets and sinks that have been soiled by body fluids with a household disinfectant while wearing gloves. Remember to wash hands afterwards and throw the gloves away.

When you return from an infected area, travellers should monitor their health for 10 days. Any traveler who develop symptoms during this time period should inform healthcare providers about their recent travels before seeing the practitioner.


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
Top Stories
Iran poll to go to run-off
Top Stories
CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards
 
 
 
 

International Edition
CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise With Us About Us
SEARCH
   The Web    CNN.com     
Powered by
© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
All external sites will open in a new browser.
CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
Add RSS headlines.