Patients visiting the University Health Center with cold or flu symptoms may be surprised when they are asked to use an alternate entrance.
In an attempt to prevent any possible transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, University health officials have been following strict quarantine guidelines imposed by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Thursday, the number of cases of SARS worldwide was 2,781, with 154 in the United States, according to the WHO Web site. No SARS-related deaths have yet been reported in the United States, but 111 people worldwide have died as a result of the disease.
SARS, a pneumonia-like disease of unknown origin, was discovered in late February in Hanoi, Vietnam. International travelers to affected areas — such as Canada, Singapore, China and Vietnam — are advised to be aware of the main symptoms of SARS, including a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, dry cough and shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
Anne Mattson, the University Health Center’s director of nursing, said patients who call in with symptoms of a fever and a cough will be directed to use the west entrance, near the counseling center, where they will ring a bell and be greeted by a nurse in a respiratory mask. The patients will then be taken into an isolation room where the nurse will ask them a series of questions about their travel history and specific symptoms.
“We explain carefully to the patient what we are doing and why we are taking these precautions,” said Mattson. “The patients we’ve seen have been very understanding.”
Mattson said for patients to be counted as a possible SARS cases, they must have a chest X-ray that tests positive for pneumonia and have traveled in one of the affected areas. All possible cases of SARS are referred to the Oregon Department of Health and Human Services.
Various departments around campus are also providing resources for anyone who has questions about SARS. Tom Hicks, associate director of the University Department of Public Safety, said their Web site has a link with frequently asked questions about SARS. Other departments, such as Human Resources and University Housing, are in the process of creating links to the Health Center and the CDC.
Abe Schafermeyer, an adviser at the Office of International Programs said he has received a few inquiries about SARS from students. He added students don’t usually travel during the term, unless for emergencies, but as summer approaches, more students may have questions about SARS.