Toronto SARS Outbreak

Toronto SARS Outbreak : 

Toronto SARS Outbreak Infini8 Wisdom Elaine Baker Alicia Brown Amber Crist Kylie Kavanagh Leroy Marklund Travis Peterson

You have to expect the unexpected. An infectious disease in one part of the world can quickly become an infectious disease on a local level. You need to plan ahead, be prepared to take bold action, and know in advance what your isolation and quarantine procedures are going to be. : 

You have to expect the unexpected. An infectious disease in one part of the world can quickly become an infectious disease on a local level. You need to plan ahead, be prepared to take bold action, and know in advance what your isolation and quarantine procedures are going to be. Dr Julie L. Gerberding, Director CDC 1

Problems Addressed : 

Problems Addressed No one seemed to know who was legally in charge of the outbreak.2 There had not been a disease like SARS before.2 Balancing the rights of the individual vs. the rights of the community.2

Public Health Laws : 

Public Health Laws Mandatory reporting of those suspected to have been exposed to SARS.1 Isolation and Quarantine.1 Directives to health care facilities.1

Jurisdictional Level : 

Jurisdictional Level What was the jurisdictional level? Need to determine – not included in posts

Public Response : 

Public Response Information seeking.2 Displeasure over the required isolation and/or quarantine.1 Refusal to adhere to directives, in certain instances.1 Distrust that the Chief Medical Officer was reporting hazards without political coercion.2

Media Coverage : 

Media Coverage What went right? Daily news conferences held to keep public updated.2 Effective form of communication that keep most health care providers and public health officials updated.2

Media Coverage: 

Media Coverage How could it have been improved? Outlet for educational programs.3 Distinction between isolation and quarantine.1 Risk factors for being infected.1 Develop a plan for communication before an outbreak.2 Speak with a central expert every time, this helps to make sure messages are consistent.1 Avoid the disclosure of citizens personal information.2

Leadership Skills : 

Leadership Skills Commitment2 Public health officials worked hard to contain the SARS outbreak. Volunteers provided the expertise that was lacking. Effective Communication1 Daily press conferences. Hotlines established.

Other Improvements : 

Other Improvements Better preparation for a major outbreak.2 Communication between local, provincial, and federal government.2 More expertise in public health leadership positions.2 Data collection, analysis, and sharing.2

Conclusion : 

Conclusion To be determined by group during Sunday’s conference call.

References: 

References 1) SARS: When a Global Outbreak Hits Home (Public Health Grand Rounds), October 23, 2003. 2) The SARS Commission Interim Report. SARS and Public Health in Ontario. The Honorable Justice Mr. Archie Campbell, Commissioner. April 15, 2004. 3) Quarantine and Isolation: Lessons Learned from SARS. A report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.