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Description
of SARS-Early manifestations in patients have included flu-like symptoms
such as
In some cases these symptoms are followed by
·
hypoxia
·
pneumonia and
·
occasionally acute respiratory
distress requiring mechanical
CDC Interim Triage Guidance
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To identify patients who
may have SARS, screening questions
concerning fever, respiratory symptoms and recent travel should
be included at triage or as soon as possible after patient contact. Healthcare personnel who are the first points
of contact should be trained for SARS screening
·
A surgical mask should be
placed on patients in whom SARS is suspected.
·
Contact (e.g., gloves, gown
and eye protection) and airborne precautions (e.g., use of an N-95 filtering
disposable respirator)
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Suspected Case: The following case definition has been developed
by the CDC and should be used to determine if a patient is a suspected
case of SARS.
·
Respiratory illness of unknown
etiology with onset since
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Measured temperature of at
least 100.5°F AND
·
One or more clinical findings
of respiratory illness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing, hypoxia or radiographic findings of either pneumonia or acute
respiratory distress syndrome) AND
·
Travel within 10 days of
onset of symptoms to an area (i.e., China, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Singapore) with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS
OR
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Close contact* within 10
days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness
who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspect SARS case. * Close contact
is defined as having cared for, having lived with or
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