Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Travel Advisory

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is advising members of its community to take precautions regarding the global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The SARS outbreak continues to be a concern throughout the world, particularly mainland China, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Vietnam, and Toronto, Canada. IUPUI has not prohibited official travel to selected areas, but strongly advises faculty, staff and students to avoid non-essential travel to SARS affected areas.

Any member of the IUPUI community considering travel to any of these areas should read information posted on the Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/) and World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) web sites about the risks associated with contracting SARS. Information about the global locations that are experiencing significant number of SARS cases is also provided at these web sites.

IUPUI faculty, staff and students that are considering traveling to these areas should keep the following in mind:

1. Individuals developing SARS-related symptoms while abroad may be placed in quarantine.
   
2. Individuals developing SARS-related symptoms while abroad may be denied an opportunity for medical evaluation in the United States.
   
3. Those developing SARS-related symptoms while attempting to re-enter the Unites States and many other countries are likely to be place in quarantine before being allowed to return home.
   
4. Travel from these high-risk locations could be suspended at any time.

IUPUI faculty, staff or students who find it essential to travel to these locations should be very aware of SARS related symptoms. Such symptoms include the following:

1. Fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
   
2. One or more respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and hypoxia).
3. Travel within ten days of onset of symptoms, to an area with current or recently documented or suspected community transmission of SARS  – or –  close contact within ten days of onset of symptoms with a person who has known or suspected SARS.

IUPUI faculty, staff or students who have symptoms and a travel or contact history consistent with SARS should immediately contact IU Occupational Health Services/IUPUI Student Health Services (317-274-5887). The individual should request to speak immediately to a nurse or physician and request to be evaluated as soon as possible.

IUPUI is monitoring the situation and will provide updates when it changes.

Related Web Sites:

> Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
> World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/
> U.S. Department of State: http://travel.state.gov./sars_announce.html