Health unit prepares for SARS

While there have been no cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the Kenora-Rainy River District, Northwestern Health Unit staff and emergency response organizations have met to review protocols and put an infrastructure in place in response to SARS.
“Our health unit is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to obtain the most up-to-date directives and protocols in an effort to control the spread of this illness within the district,” noted Dr. Pete Sarsfield, the NHU’s medical officer of health.
On March 26, Ontario declared a provincial health emergency. For the Kenora-Rainy River district, this means hospitals have posted notices in their entrances requesting visitors or patients that potentially may have been exposed to SARS to report to the reception desk upon entering the hospital.
This is a precautionary measure that is being implemented in all Ontario hospitals that are outside the Greater Toronto Area.
A visitor or patient may have been exposed to SARS if:
•they visited the Scarborough Grace or York Central Hospital after March 16, 2003;
•they have returned from a visit to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, or Singapore within the last 10 days; and/or
•they have been in close contact with someone who has SARS or is suspected to have it.
There has been respiratory illness reported in the community, however, not all respiratory illness is associated with SARS. Travel to Southeast Asia, or contact with Scarborough Grace Hospital, York Central Hospital, or someone who has been identified as a SARS patient, are key factors.
The Health Canada Travel Advisory now recommends not to travel to all of China, Hong Kong, Hanoi (Vietnam), and Singapore. Health Canada now is recommending that alternate routes be considered instead of having to stop over in these areas while travelling.
The Northwestern Health Unit will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public and all institutions if there are concerns with the disease and its spread.
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to SARS, call 1-800-830-5978.
If you would like more information regarding SARS, visit www.nwhu.on.ca or www.hc-sc.gc.ca