UTSA Statement on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
(May 10, 2003)--The University of Texas at San Antonio continually monitors the situation regarding recent reports concerning Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
UTSA policies on SARS are closely supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, "Interim Guidance for Institutions or Organizations Hosting Persons Arriving in the United States from Areas with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)." (Read the guidelines and download a copy at the CDC Web site.)
"University officials maintain contact with public health officials and believe there is no health emergency at our campuses," said Rosalie Ambrosino, vice president for student affairs and chairman of the university's task force charged with monitoring the SARS situation. "However, we strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to be aware of the issues relating to SARS for their own health and safety."
If a student experiences a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing and has traveled recently within or near the area of a SARS affected country or region (e.g., China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore or Toronto, Canada), he or she should contact UTSA Health Services at (210) 458-4142. Faculty and staff who meet these criteria should immediately contact their health care providers.
If one has experienced these symptoms and has within 10 days of the onset of those symptoms cared for, lived with or had direct contact with respiratory secretions and bodily fluids of a person diagnosed with SARS, one should also contact UTSA Health Services (students) at (210) 458-4142 or his or her health care provider (faculty and staff).
International students who have questions about the status of their programs should contact Norma Suarez at the UTSA Office of International Programs at (210) 458-7202.
Those planning to travel abroad on university business should consult the U.S. Dept. of State's web page on travel warnings, as well as the Centers for Disease Control's SARS Information for Travelers.
UTSA is following the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel advisories for the latest in travel advisories and alerts related to SARS.
Some airlines are waiving customary penalties in an effort to accommodate travelers who change their plans due to SARS. Travelers should speak directly with the airlines to determine their current policies.
(Article updated Sept. 2, 2003)
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More SARS information:
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003