SARS preparedness highlighted at forum

Updated 2:00 PM June 16, 2003

SARS preparedness highlighted at forum

By Katie Gazella

The University is preparing to deal with suspected cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) through ongoing training and coordination related to the disease, panelists said during a May 20 forum.

John Godfrey, assistant dean for international education at the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and co-chair of the SARS Advisory Committee. (Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

John Godfrey, assistant dean for international education at the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and co-chair of the SARS Advisory Committee, highlighted the importance of the forum and described SARS as "an issue of both scale and urgency."

Dr. Robert Winfield, director of the University Health Service and co-chair of the SARS Advisory Committee, said U-M has a solid plan. "I believe that we are more prepared than probably 95 percent of the communities in the United States," he said.

Panelists provided information about SARS to the approximately 125 audience members. They noted that the number of cases in the United States is declining, due in large part to effective screening at points of embarkation in Southeast Asia. Actions such as frequent hand washing can help control the spread of SARS. Panelists said there has been no casual spread of the disease in the United States, and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend the use of masks over the nose and mouth.

For students and others arriving from countries where SARS is common, Winfield said, "the first thing we're doing is trying to raise awareness." He noted that the University will contact new and returning students with information about reducing their chances of being exposed to SARS before they leave for the United States.

Upon arrival in Ann Arbor, students will be given CDC instructions about monitoring their health. The University Health Service is planning check-in and evaluation procedures for new students.

Mengdan Chu, associate director of admissions at the Business School, asks panelists a question during the SARS forum. (Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

Dr. Arnold Monto, professor of epidemiology and director of the Bioterrorism Preparedness Initiative, gave a brief overview of what scientists know about SARS, which has been found to be caused by a previously unidentified coronavirus. He noted that SARS is less easily transmitted than other diseases, such as influenza and measles.

Dr. Carol Chenoweth, a clinical associate professor of internal medicine-infectious diseases and director of infection control at U-M Medical Center, detailed the clinical symptoms of SARS and the risks of transmission. In her discussion, she noted the importance of early detection and containment, and emphasized the effectiveness of regular hand washing as a way to control the spread of the disease.

Dr. Stan Reedy, medical director of the Washtenaw County Public Health Department, said, "The gratifying thing is that some places are getting SARS under control by using infection control." He said public awareness plays a critical role in disrupting the transmission of the disease.

Rudie Altamirano, director of the International Center, discussed planning for international arrivals, and stressed the importance of having an informed and positive campus climate. He said that harassment or discrimination against students or scholars from SARS-affected areas will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, under a University travel advisory, study abroad is canceled, and other University-connected group travel is canceled or postponed until Aug. 15 in countries that are at high risk for SARS. For up-to-date information about the University's policy and the countries affected, visit http://www.umich.edu and click on Information about SARS.

SARS preparedness highlighted at forum

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