Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of respiratory tract infection that originated in East Asia and has recently received extensive media coverage. Recent analysis suggests that SARS may be due to a pathological agent called Coronavirus. SARS is extremely contagious and is believed to be spread by aerosolized droplets from coughing and direct face-to-face contact.
While the majority of the worldwide SARS cases are in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam, there have been suspected cases in the United States, including New York State. Almost all U.S. cases involve people who recently traveled to Southeast Asia.
The NYS Department of Health web site tells us that those who have been diagnosed with SARS developed symptoms including:
Unexplained high fever (greater than 100.4�F), coupled with:
One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
AND
Either close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS
OR
Recent history of travel (within last 10 days) to areas reporting community acquired cases of SARS.
Symptoms may also include headache, muscle stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash, and diarrhea. Only those who have visited People's Republic of China (mainland China and the Special Administrative District of Hong Kong); Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore within the last 10 days and display these symptoms, or who have had close personal contact with a SARS patient are believed to be at risk for contracting SARS.
If you are a student and you believe you have the symptoms of SARS, you should contact the University Health Center immediately at 442-5454. If you are a member of the faculty or staff and you believe you have the symptoms of SARS, contact your primary health care provider.
Detailed, up to date information on SARS is available on the following web sites:
Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization
NYS Department of Health
A Fact Sheet for American citizens traveling abroad based on information from those websites is also available at the website of the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Given the contagious nature of the virus, our immediate concern is for the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. We will maintain contact with the New York State Department of Health as conditions in the State develop and follow Department of Health guidelines. Concurrently, our Office of International Programs is in touch with students and faculty overseas regarding the most recent developments.
We will continue to notify you as updated information is available.
