Montgomery
County public health officials announced that
residents concerned about Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS) can find out more about the
disease by calling 240-777-4200, which offers recorded
information. Although there are no reported
cases of SARS in Montgomery County, officials have
reported a heightened concern among residents and
employers. Local hospitals also report an increase in
the number of questions about SARS symptoms and
related issues.
“There
have been no cases here in Montgomery
County and the general public does not appear to be at
risk for SARS,” said Dr. Thomas Walsh, deputy health
officer. “However, County public health
officials have been working closely with the Maryland
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and local
hospitals, and we continue to monitor the population
closely in order to identify new cases as quickly as
possible.”
Travelers
to mainland China;
Hong Kong; Singapore; Hanoi, Vietnam and Toronto,
Canada or those who have come into contact with
someone known to have SARS should monitor their own
health and seek medical attention ONLY if they develop
the following symptoms within 10 days
Officials
also remind residents that there is NO reason to seek
medical care for SARS, to limit activities outside the
home, or be excluded from school or work for persons
who:
-
Have
not traveled to these countries or have not had
contact with someone known to have SARS, even if
they have had the symptoms described above.
Such persons may, however, need to consult their
primary health care provider because the symptoms
could suggest a health problem other than SARS.
-
Do
not have the symptoms described above, even if
they have traveled to these countries or have had
contact with someone known to have SARS.
