Exposure
A person who has had close personal contact (direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids) with someone who has already been diagnosed with SARS MAY be at risk.
OR
A person who has recently travelled to areas reporting cases of the syndrome MAY be at risk. Areas that may be of concern are:
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China
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Hong Kong
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Indonesia
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Philippines
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Singapore
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Thailand
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Vietnam
Symptoms
- Initial sudden onset of fever greater than 38℃ and malaise
- possibly a headache, muscle aches and possibly sore throat
- Dry cough develops over 3 to 4 days as fever persists
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing by day 7 to 8
- Incubation appears to be 2 to 5 days
What to Do
Health Canada recommends that you seek medical advice immediately. Be sure to advise the health care worker of your travel information.
How to Protect Yourself
There is no evidence of spread of this disease to the general population at this time. SARS is highly unlikely to develop, unless a person has recently traveled in Asia or has been in close contact with a case of SARS, and develops symptoms. If there is a concern, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Treatment
To date, we have not identified a specific treatment for this condition, but there are several patients who are recovering with supportive care.
Why might your health care worker wear a mask?
Masks are an extension of Universal Precautions for illnesses which are transmitted by droplets, sneezed or coughed, by infected people. Many people will have seen this type of everyday precaution used by their dentists.
Note: It is important to remember that Health Canada is monitoring all medical information available from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). They will respond accordingly to any new concerns and treatments recommended.