International Conference on Metabolic Bone Disease

Travelling to and from Australia
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has advised that the risk of contracting SARS is low. The vast majority of cases have been contracted through close personal contact with a seriously ill person, almost exclusively in hospitals and between family members. There is a smaller risk of contracting SARS through other means. Nevertheless, it is prudent to take precautions to minimise the probability of infections from more casual contacts (see section on Precautionary Measures below).

Persons arriving in Australia with symptoms suggestive of SARS will be referred by airline and border authorities to be examined by health authorities. If the diagnosis of SARS cannot be excluded at the port of entry, the symptomatic person will be referred for specialist diagnosis and treatment, and precautions taken to prevent the possible spread of infection to others.

Australians in transit at airports in affected countries are at very low risk of exposure to SARS. Nevertheless, it would be prudent, while in transit, to avoid close contact with persons who are unwell. If contact cannot be avoided, particularly with persons who are coughing, a simple surgical face-mask and regular hand washing will offer added protection.

Persons planning to visit or affected countries, should be aware that as a result of screening arrangements recommended by the WHO, individuals who show symptoms of SARS may not be allowed to depart immediately. It is possible that other countries and airlines may follow the WHO recommendations and begin screening flights for SARS cases.

Advice from the SARS hotline is that international passengers arriving into Australia will be questioned on the plane as to their health status and requested to contact airline staff if they are feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms. These passengers will be referred to medical officers in the customs and quarantine section of the arrivals hall. Other passengers who are healthy , regardless of port of origin, will not be detained any more than usual during their customs clearance into Australia.

Regions affected by SARS
Regions affected include: mainland China (the Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Guangdong Province, Shanxi Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are particularly affected by SARS), Hong Kong SAR, Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar is particularly affected by SARS), Singapore, Vietnam and Taiwan.

While Toronto remains listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-affected area, the WHO judges that the situation has sufficiently improved to lift its travel warning for the city. Australians in transit at Canadian airports are at very low risk of SARS exposure.

Symptoms
All travellers should be aware of the main symptoms and signs of SARS which include:

A person presenting after 1 February 2003 with history of:

High fever (>38 degrees C)

AND

One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

AND one or more of the following:

Close contact * within 10 days of onset of symptoms, with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS

History of travel, within 10 days of onset of symptoms, to an area in which there are reported foci of transmission of SARS.

* Close contact means having cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS.

Australians experiencing symptoms consistent with the information provided by the WHO should seek medical attention. In Australia, individuals should contact the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800-004599.

The WHO further advised that anyone who develops these symptoms sould ensure that information about their recent travel is passed on to the health care staff and should not undertake further travel until they have recovered.

Precautionary Measures

Some simple measures can be taken to reduce personal risk in locations where SARS has occurred. These revolve around minimising exposure to potentially exposed persons and using personal hygiene measures and personal protective measures. The actions listed below are not designed to be prescriptive but merely to give advice to people on the potential areas where precautions can be taken.

Avoiding interactions with people who are exhibiting symptoms is important for example by standing well clear of people that are coughing. Where possible crowded and confined situations should be avoided. Try to use stairs rather than elevators and private rather than public transport. Minimise the amount of time spent in shopping centres and public areas.

The wearing of basic surgical masks will provide some protection although people should not be given a false sense of security by using these alone without taking additional precautions. Masks should be changed when they become moist.

Basic hygiene is essential in reducing the risk of virus transmission. Washing hands before eating is essential. Avoiding facial and eye contact with hands, as much as is possible, is also recommended. Smokers should wash their hands before smoking as contaminants on the hand are easily transferred to the mouth whilst smoking. Do not touch disposed tissues or handkerchiefs as these may carry secretions with infected material.

For further Information about SARS visit the following websites

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