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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 4, 2003
Contact: Dr. Diana Yu,
Thurston/Lewis County Health Officer, 786-5581 ext. 1695#
Steps
Outlined To Avoid Catching Respiratory Ailments
OLYMPIA
– Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a new disease that appears
to have emerged from parts of Asia. The cause is unknown, but the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization say
there is evidence it may be a corona virus, the same family of viruses
that cause the common cold. The definition of a case is evolving as more
is learned about this emerging disease. Currently, it includes the
following:
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Measured
fever greater than 100.4 degrees.
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Symptoms
of respiratory illness, such as cough, shortness of breath, or
difficulty breathing AND
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Recent
travel to Hong Kong or mainland China; Hanoi, Vietnam; Singapore; OR
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Close
contact with persons with respiratory illness who have traveled to any
of these locations.
There are currently no reported cases of
SARS in Thurston County.
To
prevent the spread of any respiratory infection:
-
People
who have a cold or cough should make sure they cover their mouth when
they cough or sneeze and then wash their hands.
-
If
you are ill, stay home.
-
Do
not share food, drink or personal items with anyone else.
-
Wash
your hands with soap and water.
Instructions for anyone
who has returned from an affected country in the last ten days:
-
Monitor
for signs and symptoms of SARS (fever, cough, muscle aches, chills, or
difficulty breathing)
-
Call
your health care provider if you develop any of these symptoms.
-
As
a general precaution, you will begin to see warning signs on the doors
of health care facilities asking about exposure.
If you have symptoms, make sure you let your provider know.
You may be asked to wear a mask.
-
If
you have no health care provider and think you may have SARS, call
786-5581 and ask to speak with the SARS response team.
People who want more information can call 360-709-3080 for a recorded
message.
County
residents can also visit the Centers for Disease Control web site at: www.cdc.gov
or the World Health Organization web site at: www.who.int
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