There are NO known cases of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Northwestern Ontario.

Q: Who should be in quarantine?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above conditions, please call the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 1-807-625-5900.

These individuals are at high risk and should be quarantined in their homes for a ten day period. They should remain in quarantine, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.

Q: What about travellers?

A: Individuals who have travelled to an area (country or city) currently designated by the W.H.O. as high risk for SARS in the past 10 days should monitor for symptoms for ten days after returning. If you experience symptoms within this period, isolate yourself and call the Thunder Bay District Health Unit immediately for assessment.

Q: Why do I have to stay home for ten days?

A: The incubation period for SARS is typically 2-7 days; however, isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as 10 days. Staying at home and limiting your exposure to others is the best way to control the spread of SARS to family, friends and co-workers. If you do not develop symptoms within the ten day period, you can end your quarantine.

Q: What should I do when I am in quarantine?

A: To protect your health and the health of others, the following precautions are necessary:

• Remain at home in isolation for 10 days after your last exposure. Do not leave your house and do not have anyone visit you at home. Family members do not have to be quarantined unless a member of the household is diagnosed with SARS.
• Wear a mask when you are in the same room with another member of your household. Change your mask twice a day. Family members do not have to wear a mask.
• Do not share personal item such as towels, drinking cups or cutlery.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Sleep in separate rooms.
• Measure your temperature with your own thermometer twice a day over the 10-day period.
  

If anyone in the household develops fever (over 38C / 100.4F), respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing), headache or is feeling unwell, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Q: Should family members of healthy people who are in isolation stay home from work, day care or school (eg. children of TBRHSC employees)?

A: No. Family members of healthy people who are quarantined do not need to stay at home because there is no risk they can transmit SARS. If the person in quarantine develops signs of SARS, their entire household will be quarantined.

Q: Should workers or visitors go into private homes of those in quarantine?

A: No. If someone has been isolated at home, they have been instructed not to receive any visitors.

Q: What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?

A: SARS is a severe form of pneumonia, accompanied by a fever. It is not to be confused with the common cold. It is not yet known what organism (germ) is causing the infection. Individuals who have had direct contact with a SARS patient or have travelled to Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan should watch for the following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of fever (greater then 38C / 100.4F),
  AND
• Respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  
  

Q: Is this the "Hong Kong" flu?

A: No, SARS is not the Hong Kong flu. At this time, the illness does not appear to be related in any manner to influenza.

Q: How is SARS spread?

A: It is believed the illness is spread via droplets from coughing and sneezing, or from direct face-to-face contact with an ill person.

Q: How is SARS treated?

A: Patients with SARS are being treated in hospital with antibiotics and antiviral agents and are receiving supportive care. Cases are being kept in isolation rooms and hospital staff is using appropriate precautions.

Q: Is there a test for SARS?

A: No "test" is available yet for SARS; however, CDC, in collaboration with WHO and other laboratories, has developed 2 research tests that appear to be very promising in detecting antibodies to the new coronavirus. CDC is working to refine and share this testing capability as soon as possible with laboratories across the United States and internationally.

Q: Who can I call for more information?

A: For general SARS information, call Ontario's Health Infoline at 1-888-668-4636. For medical issues related to SARS, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

For more information, Please refer to the following:

Telehealth Ontario (24 hours a day, seven days a week) at 1-866-797-0000 to speak to a registered nurse or
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health Web site : www.health.gov.on.ca.

For more information, select from the list below:

SARS FAQ
SARS Related Information

*Information and portions of page courtesy of University Health Network in Toronto.

:: back to top ::