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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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SARS Home
Press Release
July 10, 2003 |
Contact: CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286 |
CDC Removes Travel Alert for Hong Kong
and Toronto, Canada
As of July 10, 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
removed its travel alert for Hong Kong and Toronto, Canada to reflect the
changing status of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases reported
in these areas. The alert for Hong Kong is lifted retroactively for 1 July
2003 (last case of onset based on up[dated research in Hong Kong determined
to be 5/31). The alerts for Hong Kong and Toronto, Canada were lifted
because more than 30 days had elapsed since the date of onset of symptoms
for the last SARS case.
In response to the SARS epidemic, CDC issues two types of notices to
travelers: alerts and advisories. A travel advisory recommends that
nonessential travel be deferred; a travel alert does not advise against
travel, but informs travelers of a health concern and provides advice about
specific precautions. Recommendations to postpone travel or observe
precautions are issued in consideration of several factors, including the
magnitude of current SARS cases, the pattern of recent local transmission,
and the last date of onset of cases.
Beijing and Taiwan are the remaining areas under CDCs travel alert. CDC
continues to distribute health alert notices about SARS to people traveling
to the United States from these areas. Individuals who travel to Beijing and
Taiwan, should monitor their health while there and for at least 10 days
after departure. If fever or respiratory symptoms (for example, cough or
shortness of breath) develop, a visit to a health-care provider is strongly
recommended. The provider should be informed about the symptoms in advance
so arrangements can be made, if necessary, to prevent transmission to others
in the health-care setting (www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/triage_interim_guidance.htm).
For more information, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm.
# # #
CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and
controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing
credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living
through strong partnerships with local, national, and international
organizations.
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