There is much concern about the SARS virus and its health danger. Anyone planning to travel overseas or to Canada, please be advised of the information below.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a new and potentially deadly disease, has been reported in parts of Asia, North America and Europe. SARS is a virus transmitted through close person-to-person contact. Potential ways the virus may spread are touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eye(s), nose, or mouth. It also is possible that SARS can be spread through the air.

Symptoms of SARS include a fever greater than 100.4°F (>38.0°C), headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. SARS patients may also develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, and be prepared to inform them of recent travel to SARS infected areas and potential exposure to others. If anyone has traveled to any of the areas infected by this disease or think they may have come in contact with an infected individual, seek the help of a health care provider immediately.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are monitoring this situation very closely. They are working to identify the cause, treatment and prevention of the disease. There have been 3300 cases suspected worldwide with over 150 deaths reported. There have been 190 cases in the United States alone, although no deaths.

For more information about the disease, visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.int/en/. For a fact sheet on the disease and its outbreak, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/factsheet.htm.