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This is an official
CDC HEALTH UPDATE

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Saturday, March 29, 2003, 18:50  EST (6:50  PM EST)
CDCHAN-00133-03-03-29-UPD-N

Updated Interim U.S Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Case Definition

MARCH 29, 2003 Posted version, 17:00

The previous CDC SARS case definition (published March 22, 2003) has been updated as follows:

  • Areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS have been expanded to include all of mainland China in addition to areas previously listed.

Suspected Case:

Respiratory illness of unknown etiology with onset since February 1, 2003, and the following criteria:

· Measured temperature $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 either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome) AND

· Travel within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS (see list below; excludes areas with secondary cases limited to healthcare workers or direct household contacts) OR

Close contact* within 10 days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspect SARS case.

 

*Close contact is defined as having cared for, having lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a patient known to be a suspect SARS case.

 

Areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS: Peoples' Republic of China (i.e., mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region); Hanoi, Vietnam; and Singapore

Note: Suspect cases with either radiographic evidence of pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome; or evidence of unexplained respiratory distress syndrome by autopsy are designated "probable" cases by the WHO case definition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


HAN Message Types
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  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Example: HAN00316
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  • Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature. Example: HAN00319

 

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