FRANCAIS

May 09, 2003

Manitoba Health and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority have announced that a patient at Health Sciences Centre who was classified as suspect SARS no longer meets the criteria for suspect or probable SARS as he has tested positive for Influenza.

Suspect or probable SARS cases are reclassified if they receive an alternate diagnosis, according to criteria set by Health Canada.

The patient recently arrived in Winnipeg following a trip to the Philippines. The patient is currently in isolation at Health Sciences Centre as a precautionary measure. It's expected he will be discharged shortly.

Those who have been in close contact with this patient are no longer under active surveillance by public health staff.

SARS is characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath 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. Individuals who have recently travelled to Asia or Toronto, or anyone who has had close contact with a case of SARS is advised to watch for symptoms and if they occur, seek medical advice from their own physician or Health Links. They will be assessed to see if the travel history meets current criteria for suspect or probable SARS. If medical care is need, they should phone ahead to alert health care professionals.

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