Latest update 25 April 2003
PHLS are now advising that travellers avoid Hong Kong, Guangdong Province and Beijing (China) and Toronto
Though no deaths have occurred yet in the UK this outbreak may have catastrophic consequences amongst immune-naive populations, such as our own. Please retain a high index of suspicion in people recently returned from travel to these areas. The incubation period is probably less then ten days: people should be regarded as at risk until at least a week after their plane touches down in the UK.
Update 01 April 2003
Fourth and fifth cases now reported in the UK; no deaths. A total of 98 definite worldwide fatalities and over 2,600 cases.
Update 01 April 2003
The WHO scientist working on this influenza like illness crisis has dies of the same condition.
Update 30 March 2003
No new cases within the UK, and still no deaths. PHLS has reiterated its travel advice, with particular reference to children who may be returning there from UK boarding schools as the Easter holidays approach.
Boarding Schools have been issued an alert via the Medical Officers of Schools Association (MOSA) so that parents or guardians of boarding school children returning to SARS affected areas for the school holidays are aware that their children may be at risk of infection during their visit home.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is not recommending any travel restrictions for people visiting countries affected by SARS. However, travellers should be aware that with effect from 29 March, local health authorities will require people arriving in Hong Kong to complete a health declaration form. In addition, those leaving areas where local transmission has occurred may be asked health questions prior to boarding an aircraft.
Update 28 March 2003
US scientists have confirmed that the virus is part of the coronavirus family, which also causes the common cold. It is thought the virus has jumped species from animal to man with a mutation.
The death toll is over 50 worldwide, none in the UK.
Update 21 March 2003
A third suspected case has been announced in a man in Birmingham who had been in China last week. Worldwide at least 16 people have died and possibly over 100.
PHLS advises that "...any passengers who have travelled on flights from China, Hong Kong and South Asia who develop high fever and chest symptoms should contact [their] doctors."
In addition: "...travellers to South East Asia need to be aware of these outbreaks and take them into account in their travel plans."
Update 19 March 2003
A second man in the UK is being investigated in the Royal Free Hospital, London. He was a passenger on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to London on 17 March 2003.
Update 17 March 2003
WHO has stepped up activities aimed at strengthening the international response to the recent emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS is an infectious disease of unknown aetiology characterised by atypical pneumonia.
The disease is spread from person to person but only through close contact with a case. To date, almost all reported cases have occurred in health workers involved in the direct care of reported cases or in close contacts, such as family members. There is no evidence to date that the disease spreads though casual contact.
WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response teams in Hanoi and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, where the most new cases are presently concentrated, are assisting health authorities in outbreak management and in the collection of epidemiological and clinical data that can improve understanding of SARS.
The speed of international travel creates a risk of rapid spread to additional areas. Because the clinical course and epidemiological behaviour of this disease are poorly understood, WHO is calling upon national health authorities to maintain close vigilance for suspected cases. There is no current justification for any restriction in travel or trade (over-ruled 02 April 2003).