University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Published: August 28, 2003

Frank P. Carnevale is director of Student Health Services and coordinator of the Student Wellness Team.

What is SARS?
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that first was reported in China in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in Asia, North America, South America and Europe. By late July, however, no new cases were being reported and the illness was considered contained. Scientists have discovered a new strain of coronavirus to be the cause of SARS. In general, SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4�F. Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. The case definition of SARS (typical symptoms) is updated as more knowledge of the illness is known. To review the latest case definition, please go to the CDC Web site listed below in this article.

Do we still need to worry about SARS?
It is too early to determine whether SARS will be eradicated. Experts agree that current chains of person-to-person transmission probably can be interrupted, provided no reservoir of carriers exists, chronic infection does not occur and difficult new areas, such as Africa, do not experience cases. In particular, the existence of an animal reservoir of the SARS coronavirus, as suggested by some studies, would make eradication extremely difficult to achieve.

What has UB done about SARS?
Provost Elizabeth D. Capaldi convened a task force on SARS with representatives from key medical and administrative units. The task force was established to monitor the SARS outbreak and educate the university community about the disease and how it might affect the campus. The task force prepared a set of university policies on SARS that was approved by Capaldi and shared with the university community. The policies are posted on a new Web site—http://wings.buffalo.edu/intled/sars.html—that serves as an information resource on SARS and provides a mechanism for individuals to ask questions about SARS that have to do with UB. Most importantly, a public health plan was developed and put in place to ensure that UB is prepared to deal with an outbreak of SARS on campus. We also have tried to be as proactive as possible. First, in advance of their arrival on campus this summer and fall, new and returning international students were sent information and guidance about SARS by letter and email. Second, newly enrolled international students attended an informational session about SARS during their orientation. The existence of SARS points to a topic of increasing importance in medicine—that of emerging diseases—novel organisms (or new forms of previously known pathogens) that can cause widespread illness in a population. The SARS task force is taking this opportunity to look at our emergency planning regarding this particular illness and ensure that it is appropriate to meet the needs of potential future infectious disease outbreaks as well.

Is it safe to travel to Canada or to Asia?
Yes. At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not list any travel restrictions, advisories or alerts regarding SARS. Therefore, travel to Toronto and Asia is safe with respect to SARS. However, the situation is dynamic and may change with time. Therefore, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to consult the CDC Web site before making overseas travel arrangements. It is important to keep in mind that more ordinary and familiar infectious diseases, such as influenza, represent a greater danger to most of us than does SARS. In Western New York, most people are at much greater risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu than they are from SARS.

If I believe that I (or someone else) has symptoms of SARS, what should I do?
If the person with symptoms is a student, please direct him or her to call UB Student Health Services at 829-3316, tell the receptionist that the concern involves SARS and ask to speak with the director. If the person is a faculty or staff member, please direct them to contact both their primary care provider and the director of Student Health Services.

What would happen if a suspect case were identified at UB?
A student suspected of having SARS would be evaluated at either the Health Services or a local hospital. The public health plan then would be activated and the student moved to alternate housing if necessary. UB would work closely with county and state health department officials to provide education, monitoring and further investigation, if needed.

What can we all do to protect ourselves?
Good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand cleaner, is the best protection. Anyone who is ill with respiratory symptoms should avoid having contact with large groups of people. Self-education also is important. The CDC maintains an excellent repository of information about SARS at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars. Finally, getting an influenza vaccine this fall will confer some protection against an illness that we're far more likely to see here at UB this coming winter-the flu. Education, good hygiene practices and common sense will go a long way toward keeping our campus community healthy.