April 3, 2003
Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, has
been chronicled in press accounts daily during the past two weeks.
About 2,200 cases of the apparent respiratory virus have been reported,
including at least 80 deaths worldwide. Eighty-five cases of the
illness are suspected in the U.S., but no one has died.
While it’s been rapidly spreading in Asia, health officials say there
have been no signs that SARS is following suit in the U.S. The
disease, which originated in Asia, seems to be confined to
international travelers, health care workers and those who have had
close contact with SARS patients.
A group of 19 Central Washington University students and three faculty
members returned from Beijing this week, following a
university-sponsored spring break study abroad trip. However, as of
today, none had exhibited any SARS symptoms, according to Bob Trumpy,
senior director of student health, counseling and wellness services at
CWU.
“All of these people were screened and medically approved to return to
Ellensburg by Canadian health authorities, upon landing in Vancouver,
British Columbia,” Trumpy says.
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in
order to be at risk for SARS, people must meet three specific criteria:
have a fever of at least 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit along with a bad
cough, shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing; and have
traveled within 10 days from mainland China, Vietnam or Hong Kong or
had close contact (bodily fluids from sneezing, coughing, etc.) with
someone traveling from those places.
Even so, Dr. Art DePalma, medical director for the CWU student health
center, recommends anyone feeling sick to take normal precautions,
which may include staying home and avoiding class or work “if they are
sick enough to stay home or meet all the criteria for SARS,” he says.
Those believing they may be at risk of contracting SARS should contact
their healthcare provider or Kittitas Valley Community Hospital.
“You should call ahead to review your symptoms with the staff,”
DePalma adds.
In Kittitas County, dust, pollen and other allergens are now in the
air. With these changes in air quality, it’s not uncommon for some
people to experience slight to moderate respiratory symptoms that mimic
colds, flu or allergic reactions, according to DePalma.
Trumpy adds, “It’s a common occurrence for some people to wear
facemasks to reduce their inhalation of these allergens. So, you
shouldn’t assume that anyone wearing a facemask is doing so to protect
themselves from SARS.”
At this point, no changes to CWU study abroad programs are anticipated
because of SARS, according to Dr. Carlos Martin, director of the office
of international studies and programs. But, he does note that OISP
will continue to monitor the developing situation during the next few
months and will abide by U.S. Department of State guidelines, which
could affect an upcoming summer trip to Beijing.
CDC officials now recommend postponing nonessential trips to mainland
China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam.
