Carec calls for travel alerts on SARS

THE CARIBBEAN Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) has advised governments in the region to place advisory signs at airports for incoming travellers from countries which have detected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Cards will be issued to these travellers with a contact number where they can seek medical attention if they developed a high fever and cough. “The key is to have a high suspicion index and detect early,” Director of CAREC Dr James Hospedales said yesterday. CAREC has been advising regional governments about the measures which should be in place to respond to SARS, whose origin still eludes scientists. More than 2000 people have been affected in 16 countries. There have been 78 deaths.

Hospedales said CAREC will contact the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association because it had a role to play in successful containment of SARS to ensure the tourism industry is not adversely affected. Asked about the possibility of SARS reaching the Caribbean when numerous travellers visit for the West Indies versus Australia cricket series, Hospedales said there is no special risk as Australia has not had evidence of the spread of SARS. He said most of the cases in the 16 countries were “imported” and in four there was subsequent transmission.

CAREC has met with Ministry of Health Officials, and a meeting was planned yesterday with the Regional Health Authorities about “fine tuning” measures needed to respond. “The isolation measures are not high-tech, you need hand washing, a mask and an area to isolate the patient and restricted access.” Hospedales said a treatment protocol involving anti-viral drug Ribavarin and steroids is being used to treat the serious form of SARS. He could not say how equipped Caribbean countries were with Ribavarin.