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CDC Reinstates Travel Alert for Toronto |
by:
Lynn Bode |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reinstatedtravel alert for Toronto, Canada, because of reports of new possible cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
CDC liftedtravel alert on May twozero, twozerozerothree, because more than threezero days (or three SARS incubation periods) had elapsed sincedate of onset of symptoms forlast reported case. However, on May twotwo, Canadian health officials reportedcluster of five new probable SARS cases, which led to today’s reinstatement of CDC’s travel alert for Toronto.
In response tooutbreak of SARS, CDC has issued two types of notices to travelers: advisories and alerts. A travel advisory recommends that non-essential travel toarea be postponed. A travel alert does not advise against travel toparticular area, but informs travelers ofhealth 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 recommendroutine 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 toUnited States from Toronto. The cards outlinesymptoms of SARS and recommend that people returning from Toronto monitor their health for onezero days and alert their physician if they developfever or respiratory symptoms, such ascough or shortness of breath.
CDC also recommends that travelers to Toronto practice careful hand hygiene –first line of defense for reducingindividual’s risk ofvariety of infectious diseases, such as SARS. Asgeneral rule, CDC recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand rubs may be used asalternative.
Anyone planning travel to Toronto should be aware ofcurrent 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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