FRANCAIS
April 04, 2003
SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) UPDATE # 5
There are currently no reported suspect or probable cases of SARS in Manitoba.
On April 3, 2003, an adult male patient with a chronic respiratory condition was returned to isolation at St. Boniface General Hospital as a precautionary measure. At the time of his admission on March 27, 2003, this patient met the criteria for a probable case of SARS and isolation measures were instituted. Subsequently, it was determined that he had a bacterial pneumonia, which improved quickly with antibiotic treatment. After consultation with Health Canada staff and other officials and experts, it was determined that the patient did not then meet the nationally recognized criteria for a probable or suspect case of SARS. On March 30, 2003, after consultation with Health Canada staff and others, isolation measures were discontinued and eight close contacts were released from quarantine.
On April 3, 2003, Dr. Joel Kettner, Chief Medical Officer of Health, directed that the patient be returned to isolation. This was done because there has been a recent deterioration of the patient’s condition and a research test conducted on samples from the patient revealed the presence of corona virus. This virus has been recently associated with some SARS patients, but has not yet been established as the cause of SARS. According to the attending infectious disease specialist, the most probable explanation for the patient’s current illness is a deterioration of the patient’s chronic lung condition. However, given that the patient’s present illness has occurred within ten days of travel to China, Dr. Kettner decided that the patient should be returned to isolation as a precautionary measure, until we have a better understanding of what all the causes of his current illness are.
A corona virus has been found in people with SARS and has also been found in people who have traveled to China who do not have SARS. The significance of the lab report is not known.
The decision to place the patient back in isolation is precautionary. This step reflects the vigilant measures public health officials are following. This current action exceeds current national protocols. Quarantine of well contacts or health care professionals is not required.
SARS is an emerging new medical condition. Health professionals around the world are continuing to test, analyse and research the potential causes and other characteristics of the disease. Existing protocols for managing the disease are stringent. Manitoba’s decision to go beyond the requirements of existing protocols is precautionary.
Health care professionals who have first contact with members of the public are wearing masks as an additional precautionary measure against SARS. Triage nurses, receptionists and other staff who have initial contact with patients wear protective masks until they can determine if the patient has any of the risk factors for SARS. Staff remove their masks after having the patient answer a few questions if no risk factors are present. Currently there are no reported suspect or probable SARS cases in Manitoba.
Risk factors Manitobans should be aware of include:
- Travelling to China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, Vietnam or Singapore within the last 10 days;
- Having close contact with someone diagnosed with SARS;
- Visiting the Scarborough Hospital, Grace Division or York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario after March 16.
- Travelers returning from China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, Singapore or Vietnam are advised:
- to monitor their health for 10 days
- if there are any symptoms or signs of illness including: fever, cough and other symptoms and signs, do not attend work, school, etc. and contact their local public health office or Health Links
- If the traveler is well, there is no reason to restrict normal activities.
- If seeking medical attention for SARS like symptoms, it is very important that patients phone ahead to the emergency department, doctor's office or walk-in clinic to aide the staff in taking enhanced infection control precautions. In some cases, patients may be directed to another health care location with more available infection control capabilities.
- SARS is characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, general feelings of sickness and other symptoms and signs and may progress to severe illness. Symptoms appear within 10 days of exposure—usually within 3-5 days.
- Potential risk of SARS for Manitobans remains low.
- For further information, see the Manitoba Health website at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/sars or contact Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
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