Bureau of Consular Affairs
| U.S.
Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs |
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August 25, 2003
This Fact Sheet updates general information on how to stay current about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued a number of travel advisories for SARS and may do so in the future should a new SARS epidemic occur. Americans who are planning travel to a known SARS-affected area or are concerned about SARS should monitor the CDC’s and the WHO’s web sites for the latest information (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/; http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/).
In addition, Americans should be aware that some countries have barred entry to or quarantined travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas. Should a U.S. Mission in a country become aware of such entry restrictions, it may advise U.S. government employees to postpone non-essential travel to that country. Americans concerned about SARS or planning to travel to SARS-affected areas should also consult the Consular Information Sheets for those countries available at the Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov. Americans may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328, for information. Prospective parents of adoptees in a SARS-affected country should consult the appropriate link on adoptions at the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm.
The CDC and the WHO are tracking SARS’ origin, method of transmission and treatment. SARS severely taxed health care systems in affected countries; neighboring countries curtailed flights in and out of affected locations and blocked transfer of SARS patients for medical care. Strong efforts were made to contain SARS. Some countries implemented measures such as mandatory screening of incoming passengers at airports, and persons with SARS-like symptoms were quarantined and/or sent to designated hospitals until the authorities were satisfied they did not have SARS.
Medical evacuation of SARS patients remains problematic. Securing transport and locating a destination willing to accept such patients is difficult, if not impossible. Since medical evacuation possibilities may change, family members of SARS patients may wish to consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate General for the latest information.
Contact Information for the CDC:
Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm ESTAddress:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311Contact Information for the WHO Liaison Office in Washington, DC:
Telephone: (202)331-9081
Facsimile: (202)331-9097Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USAReturn to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page