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SARS, a new and deadly disease, has gained wide-ranging media attention across the globe. As of June 27, 2003, the World Health
Organization (also known as the WHO) has reports of 850 cases -- which
includes 810 deaths -- of SARS, also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Originating in Asia, the disease is caused by a virus for which there are no antibiotics or prevention,
due to its sudden emergence.
Thirty countries, including Canada and the United States, have reported cases of SARS. Canada's
most populous city, Toronto, has been on alert, based on the number of people infected who have traveled to Asia and
come in contact with the ailment. However, Health Canada ensures the public that
Toronto is a safeguarded place to visit, and officials have the disease "under
control" (as reported by the Community and Hospital Infection Control
Association, Canada).
As SARS breaks through to North America, the attention spreads and individuals
become more scrupulous of their surroundings. The Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) warrants that fatalities of SARS include those who have
previous illnesses, the elderly, and infants, whose immune systems are much
weaker than that of the average adult.
Hospital workers in Toronto have been through a 10-day quarantine -- a procedure
where there is no outside contact -- to guarantee that
the spread of SARS is prevented. "SARS does not appear to be airborne. Most of the data have
been consistent with transmission through large droplets or body fluids".
(Community and Hospital Infection Control Association, Canada. 2003)
Symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome include a high fever, cough,
diarrhea, shortness of breath, malaise (uneasiness or depression), chest pain,
headache, sore throat, and vomiting.
Prevention is deemed difficult, especially in larger cities where contact with
other people is inevitable. Health Canada asks people to ensure that they wash
their hands regularly and to report to health officials if you -- or someone that
you know -- are experiencing symptoms of SARS. Canadian provinces, such as
Ontario, provide literature that goes through special handwashing techniques and
procedures. New research from Asia has
discovered that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can make your immune
system stronger. This would enable you to have a more favourable chance of
fighting of the disease if it is ever detected.
For those worried about SARS, it is recommended that you take precautions, but
travel as planned or desired. The city of Toronto is granting new benefits and
activities to bounce-back from the recent health scare. Discounts on plays,
dining, concerts, and shopping have been given to interested tourists. The impact of SARS not only rests on the patients, victims, and
their families, but also the tourism industry.
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention estimates that SARS will eventually
be under control. New advancements in technology and discoveries about the
disease and its origin will allow cures and antibiotics to be developed.
Until then, you should stay alert to ensure your health and safety.
For the Whyville Times,
TIKE
Work Cited
Websites
* CDC -- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
* Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care -- Public Information
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/updates/archives/hu_03/hu_sars.html
Newspaper
* Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The Observer. June, 2003.
Pamphlets
* Health Canada
* City of Toronto
* Community and Hospital Infection Control Association, Canada
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