Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Department of Health, Government of the HKSAR : Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Department of Health, Government of the HKSAR
Background : Background There have been reports of “SARS” from different parts of the world since February 2003.
In Hong Kong, a number of health care workers and other people have also been affected by the disease.
To facilitate enforcement of preventive measures, SARS has been added to the schedule of infectious diseases under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance.
The Department of Health is working closely with the Hospital Authority, universities and the World Health Organization to identify the source of infection and control the spread of the disease.
Background : Background WHO Definition on suspected SARS
High fever (>38ºC); and
One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; and
Close contact* with SARS patients
*Close contact means having cared for, having lived with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretary and body fluids of a person with SARS
What is Pneumonia? : What is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs that affects the lungs’ normal function.
It can be classified into “Classical Pneumonia” and “Atypical Pneumonia”.
What is Classical Pneumonia? : What is Classical Pneumonia? Classical Pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as streptococcus. Symptoms include:
Fever
Chest pain
Cough
Purulent sputum
Symptoms are usually severe with an early onset.
What is Atypical Pneumonia? : What is Atypical Pneumonia? The current Atypical Pneumonia is also known as “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” (SARS).
It is found to be caused by coronavirus.
What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)? : What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)? Symptoms include:
High fever (of 38 degrees Celsius or above)
Cough
Chills
Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
Myalgia and malaise
Headache
Rash and diarrhea
Chest X-ray shows changes compatible with pneumonia
Slide8 :
The virus causing SARS is transmitted:
By droplets; or
Through direct contact with secretions of an infected person.
How is SARS Transmitted?
Treatment : Treatment With early detection and prompt treatment, there is a high chance of recovery.
Local cases and experience show that many patients are responding well to the steroid and anti-viral drug treatment.
Other treatment options are being investigated.
Prevention : Prevention Maintain good personal hygiene
Wear a mask properly
Keep the environment clean and hygienic
Ensure good ventilation
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Maintain Good Personal Hygiene : Maintain Good Personal Hygiene Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Use a tissue paper to hold your spit, then dispose of the soiled tissue paper into a covered bin.
Wash hands with liquid soap.
Use serving spoons and serving
chopsticks at mealtimes.
Wash hair and shower daily.
Maintain Good Personal Hygiene : Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
Avoid touching your eyes, nose
and mouth.
Do not share towels.
Do not spit.
Wear a mask in crowded places such as schools, cinemas and shopping malls, and when travelling on public transport.
Use a vomit bag to hold vomitus on public transport.
Consult the doctor promptly and stop going to work or school if you develop symptoms of respiratory tract infections or if you have a fever.
Your Health is in Your Hands : Your Health is in Your Hands Wash your hands:
Before touching your eyes,
mouth and nose;
Before putting on a mask or after taking it off;
Before preparing food or eating;
After contact with infected persons;
After sneezing or coughing; Tips: Wash hands properly
Your Health is in Your Hands : Your Health is in Your Hands Wash your hands:
After going to the toilet;
After handling nappies, faeces or articles soiled with respiratory secretions;
After touching public installations such as railings, door handles, lift buttons and public telephones; and
After arriving at office or home. Tips: Wash hands properly
Proper Hand Washing : Proper Hand Washing
Wash hands under running tap water.
Add liquid soap.
Proper Hand Washing : Proper Hand Washing Work up lather with your hands.
Spend at least 10 minutes to rub your hands,
including all sides of the nails.
Proper Hand Washing : Proper Hand Washing Don’t forget to rub the palm and back of the hands. Don’t rinse with water when rubbing.
When you have finished rubbing, rinse hands thoroughly with water.
Proper Hand Washing : Proper Hand Washing Dry hands with a clean personal towel or disposable paper towel.
Wrap the tap in a disposable towel, or
Rinse the tap thoroughly with water before turning it off.
Proper Hand Washing : Proper Hand Washing Remember:
Do not share towels or
tissue papers.
Discard disposable towels
properly.
Store personal towels properly. Change and wash them thoroughly every day.
The Following People Should Wear a Mask: : The Following People Should Wear a Mask: People with symptoms of
respiratory illness;
Carers of patients with
respiratory illness;
Health care workers;
Household contacts of confirmed or suspected SARS patients.
The Following People Should Wear a Mask: : The Following People Should Wear a Mask: People visiting hospitals or clinics;
Workers who prepare food; and
Public transport operators.
Wear a mask when in crowded places such as schools, cinemas and shopping malls, and when travelling on public transport.
Which Type of Mask Is Effective against SARS? : Which Type of Mask Is Effective against SARS? Ordinary surgical masks and N95 masks
can both prevent SARS. N95 Mask Surgical Mask
Identify Different Parts of a Mask : Identify Different Parts of a Mask Follow the instructions on the packet carefully, if available.
The coloured side of the mask should face outwards, and the edge with a metallic wire upwards.
Wash hands with liquid soap before putting on a mask.
Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask : Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask Tie the upper 2 strings above the ears.
Tie all the strings properly to keep the mask in place.
Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask : Proper Procedures of Wearing a Mask The mask should fit snugly over the face. The metallic wire part of the mask should be fixed securely over the bridge of the nose.
The mask should fully cover the mouth, nose and chin to prevent leakage.
Points to Note about Wearing a Mask : Points to Note about Wearing a Mask Avoid touching the mask after putting it on. If you have to touch it, wash hands before and after doing so.
Wash hands before taking off the mask, and discard it properly.
Put the dirtied mask into a plastic or paper bag and tie the bag properly.
Then dispose of it into a covered bin.
Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled.
Keep the Environment Clean and Hygienic : Keep the Environment Clean and Hygienic Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures:
Get all cleaning tools ready, including household bleach, buckets, towels, mops, masks and gloves.
Put on a pair of gloves and a mask before you
start cleaning.
Clean and disinfect with a proper disinfectant.
Wash hands with liquid soap afterwards.
Tips:
Clean the home every day. Change bedding and clothing regularly.
Dispose of refuse into a covered bin.
Choose a Proper Disinfectant : Choose a Proper Disinfectant 1:49 diluted household bleach solution
(mixing 1 part of bleach with
49 parts of water)
Suitable for:
Close contacts of SARS patients
in household cleaning;
Residents of buildings with SARS patients in first-time household cleaning;
Surfaces or articles contaminated with respiratory secretions or vomitus.
Choose a Proper Disinfectant : Choose a Proper Disinfectant 1:99 diluted household bleach solution
(mixing 1 part of bleach with
99 parts of water)
Suitable for: general cleaning
70% alcohol
Suitable for: wiping metallic surfaces
Cleaning and Disinfection : Cleaning and Disinfection
For washable items:
Examples: Bedding, curtains, dust filters of air-conditioners, floor mats and dustbins.
Procedures: Soak in diluted household bleach for 30 minutes, then rinse with water.
For non-washable items:
Examples: Telephone handsets, speakerphones of intercom system, door handles, light switches and furniture.
Procedures: Wipe with a towel soaked in diluted household bleach solution, then rinse with water and wipe dry.
Cleaning and Disinfection : Cleaning and Disinfection
The floor
Procedures:
- Sweep the floor clean before mopping.
- Soak a mop in diluted household
bleach solution and mop the floor.
- Finally, rinse with water and wipe dry.
Walls
Procedures: Soak a towel in diluted household bleach solution and wipe the walls. Then, rinse with
water and wipe dry.
Keep the Toilet Clean and Hygienic : Keep the Toilet Clean and Hygienic
Pay attention to proper functioning of toilets and drains.
Clean toilet facilities at least once a day with diluted household bleach solution.
Keep the Toilet Clean and Hygienic : Keep the Toilet Clean and Hygienic Flush the toilet properly:
Before flushing, lower the toilet lid to prevent contaminated water from splashing out.
When flushing has stopped, raise the lid.
Wipe the lid, seat and rim with diluted bleach solution. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
Pour a teaspoon of diluted bleach solution into the toilet bowl.
Finally, wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap.
Disinfect Floor Drain Inlets : Disinfect Floor Drain Inlets Clean floor drain inlets daily.
To ensure the air trap is not dry, pour about half a litre of water down the drain inlet.
Then, pour a teaspoonful of diluted household bleach solution down the drain.
After 5 minutes, pour clean water down the drain.
Prevention of Pest Infestation : Prevention of Pest Infestation
Ensure Good Ventilation : Ensure Good Ventilation Keep all windows open at all times.
Ensure frequent air exchange for mechanically ventilated facilities.
Wash dust filters of air-conditioning systems frequently.
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
When travelling on public transport, open the windows whenever possible.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle : Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle A balanced diet
Regular exercise
Adequate rest
Reduce stress
Avoid smoking or alcohol consumption
If Feeling Unwell… : If Feeling Unwell… Consult the doctor promptly if you develop symptoms of respiratory tract infections or if you have a fever.
Parents should not send sick children to school or nursery.
Patients who have respiratory illness should wear a mask to prevent spread of infection.
The chance of recovery is better if it is detected and treated early.
SARS patients should be hospitalized for medical treatment.
Work of CAS : Work of CAS Escort suspected cases/ close contacts from border checkpoints
Manage detention camp
Clients: asymptomatic/healthy individuals
Protective apparel
masks
gloves
Cautions : Cautions The following may affect the temperature measurement:
Wearing hearing aid
Exposed to a very hot environment
After exercise
Have been pressing the ear for a long time
Rest for 20 min then measure again or use oral temperature
What should be done if a family member is Infected or Suspected to be Infected? : What should be done if a family member is Infected or Suspected to be Infected?
The Department of Health will issue guidelines to close contacts of SARS patients or suspected SARS patients. They will be required to undergo home confinement for monitoring for 10 days, during which they should:
Wear a mask for 10 days;
Avoid close contact with family members or other people; and
Maintain good personal hygiene.
What should be done if a family member is Infected or Suspected to be Infected? : What should be done if a family member is Infected or Suspected to be Infected? Keep the home clean and hygienic. Disinfect the home with a solution of 1:49 diluted household bleach daily.
Pay attention to proper functioning and cleanliness of toilets and drains, and control breeding of pests.
Watch out for symptoms. Consult the doctor immediately if feeling unwell.
Stop going to work or school.
During the home confinement period, health teams from the Department of Health will visit the persons affected to conduct medical checks.
To Know More : To Know More The Department of Health’s hotline:
187 2222
24-hour health education hotline
of the Department of Health’s
Central Health Education Unit:
2833 0111
The Department of Health’s website:
www.info.gov.hk/dh
Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Department of Health, Government of the HKSAR : Prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Department of Health, Government of the HKSAR