| WHAT
ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
The sudden onset of high fever (> 100.4ºF
or >38ºC) is the most consistent early
sign of the illness. Fever is sometimes associated
with chills or other flu-like
symptoms, including headache, a general feeling
of discomfort, and body aches. Mild respiratory
symptoms are also common at the outset: cough,
sore throat,
shortness of breath, and difficulty of breathing.
WILL I GET INFECTED
IF I GET IN CONTACT WITH A SARS CASE?
The reported cases thus far are cases of people
with prolonged contact with a SARS case. The medical
community is still studying why some in close
contact get infected and others do not. Or why
many get well, and a few cases (6 % to date) end
up in death.
What has been discovered thus far is that there
are stages of the disease. The first is the incubation
stage of about 14 days where the virus multiplies
in an infected person. Symptoms appear, the most
common of which is fever, and at this point the
victim is minimally contagious. Then pneumonia
sets in, characterized
by sever acute respiratory distress, and this
is when the patient is maximally contagious.
WHICH
COUNTRIES HAVE REPORTED CASES AND WHAT IS THE
RP SITUATION?
The WHO lists a cumulative number of reported
cases of SARS in the following countries as of
8 May 2003:
As of May 8 there are 6,901 reported cases worldwide,
of which 498, or 7%, have resulted in death. In
the Philippines, there are ten (10) reported cases
of
which two (2) have resulted in death of the victim.
At least two of the (2) cases are “imported
cases” i.e. due to infection from people
who came from SARS-infected countries. Vigilant
government action has resulted in successful containment
of the disease (no widespread infection of others).
WHICH HOSPITALS
CAN HANDLE SARS CASES?
The DOH has announced that there are two facilities
equipped to handle SARS cases:
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
(RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Director Remigio Olveda, Director
807-7599; 807-2636; 842-2828, 807-2634; 842-2245
fax
Contact persons: Dr. Manolito L. Chua, Dra. Marie
Rose Delos Reyes
807-2628-32 (TL) loc. 801
Hotlines: 772-5567
San Lazaro Hospital
San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
OIC Dr. Arturo Cabanban
Contact persons: Dr. Perla Alban
732-3776 to 78; 732-3106
711-6966; 711-6979 fax
There is also a list of Provincial Hospitals which
have been disseminated to Branch Managers and
Sales Managers. Refer to attachment.
Any suspected SARS cases need to be brought to
these hospitals. They have a dedicated ambulance
service ready to pick up suspected cases. These
hospitals
have the isolation, laboratory, and pathology
capabilities to deal with the disease. The RITM
has the molecular biology and electron microscopy
facilities.
SHOULD I TAKE ANTI-PNEUMONIA
VACCINES?
There is no vaccine yet developed for SARS.
WHAT ARE THE SENSIBLE
PRECAUTIONS?
· Proper hygiene and frequent
handwashing with soap are recommended.
· Build up your body’s
resistance with proper nutrition, sufficient intake
of fluids and proper rest.
· Seek immediate medical
attention if you develop the symptoms and have
traveled to the infected countries or were in
contact with persons diagnosed with SARS.
· Even if you do not have
a history of contact with a SARS case, if you
develop a fever, do not go to work, and report
your condition to your Supervisor; consult a physician
and follow his advice, and monitor the condition
especially for fever above 38º.
· If you have coughs and
colds or difficulty breathing but no fever, consult
a physician for appropriate medical advice.
· Cover your nose and
mouth when coughing or sneezing.
· Avoid sharing eating
utensils, and use proper serving spoons.
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