Duke News and Communications ___

___
___ ___ ___ ___
___

___

___

___

___
 
Questions About SARS

1. Who is Duke's main point of contact about SARS for students? For staff? For faculty? For the public?

2. Since university-funded/sponsored travel to high-risk SARS areas has not been banned, does that mean explicitly that it is allowed?

A. Travel to high-risk SARS areas is strongly discouraged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Although travel to these areas is not banned by Duke University, students, faculty and staff are discouraged from such travel. University-funded travel to these areas should be actively discouraged, and alternatives to travel, such as teleconferencing, should be encouraged.

3. What are staff, students and faculty who are returning to campus jobs or dorms from high-risk SARS areas being asked to do? What are they required to do?

A. Faculty, students and staff are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines and frequently consult CDC and Duke web sites. Currently, there are no requirements other than to be thoughtful regarding their responsibility to the public health.

4. Do Duke community members who opt to travel to high-risk SARS areas have to report this to anyone, such as a dean?

A. No; but faculty and staff are urged to advise their department head/manager. Undergraduate students should notify their advisory dean. Graduate students should inform the office of student affairs in the Graduate College, and professional students should contact the office of student affairs in their professional school. Members of the Duke community may also consult with EOH or SHC prior to and after such travel.

5. Have there been any discussions with summer students, or incoming fall students, from SARS areas?

A. SHC is in the process of developing, with other university departments, specific procedures for students coming from high-risk SARS areas based on information from the CDC and the American College Health Association.

6. If departments or others at Duke expect visitors, such as visiting scholars, from high-risk SARS areas, do they need to do anything?

A. Departments should consult with EOHW or SHC for guidance. All arriving international travelers from high-risk SARS areas receive information at their portals of entry from the federal government.

7. If I travel to a country affected by SARS, what is my best defense against getting sick?

A. Try to avoid people who are sneezing and coughing. Practice good hand hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes.

8. How do I know if I might have SARS?

The CDC advises watching for the following symptoms:

  • Measured temperature greater than 100.5°F (>38° C) AND
  • One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or radiographic findings of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome) AND
  • Travel (including transit through an airport) within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented/suspected community transmission of SARS (see the CDC's SARS Web Site) OR caring for, living with or being in direct contact with the body fluids of a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS region within 10 days of onset of symptoms, or a person known to be a suspect SARS case

9. What should I do if I think I have SARS?

Call your doctor, describe your concerns and follow your doctor's directions.

If you are at work at Duke, call Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (684-3136 or after hours 684- 8115) and follow staff directions.

If you are a Duke student, call the Student Health Center at 681-9355.

10. What if I think I have been exposed to a person with SARS?

Contact your health department with your concern.

Durham - (919)560-7600
Orange - (919) 245-2411
Wake - (919) 212-7000

If you are a Duke employee, contact EOHW

If you are a Duke student, contact SHC.

11. What if a co-worker or fellow student is sick?

Encourage the individual to contact their physician or EOHW or SHC if they have the criteria previously described.

12. Can I get SARS by being in the same building as a known SARS case?

No. People with SARS are isolated in special ventilation areas and wear a protective mask. It is not likely that being in the same building would place you at risk. People with SARS are also quarantined in their homes , if appropriate.

13. Can I get more information about SARS in the Triangle /North Carolina?

The following links should be helpful.

The State has established a special hotline for state residents who have questions about the disease. The line, available between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, is 800/662-7030 (TTY dedicated for the hearing impaired). Questions can also be submitted via email to care.line@ncmail.net.

Additional information about SARS is available at:

 

 

 
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___