Nova Scotia Prepared to Deal With SARS

The risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to Nova Scotians is still relatively low, but Public Health officials are busy preparing for the possibility. There are still no suspect or probable cases of SARS in Nova Scotia.

"Unless you've returned from an area of concern in Asia or have been in close contact with someone who has SARS, you don't need to worry," said Dr. Jeff Scott, provincial medical officer of health. "Doctors know what to look for and how to handle cases, and we have a SARS Response Plan in place to identify and respond to cases immediately."

"We have a plan in place, based on national guidelines, to deal with any cases that might arise," said Health Minister Jane Purves. "In fact, that plan is already at work in our hospitals. Our doctors, paramedics and other health professionals are on high alert for any possible cases -- they know what to look for, what to ask about -- and they're prepared to act quickly if any suspected cases are identified."

About 1,550 people worldwide, 37 in Canada, have been diagnosed with SARS since November 2002. Fifty-three have died, including three Canadians. Officials in New Brunswick announced one suspect case on Sunday, the only suspect case in Atlantic Canada. All of the Canadian cases have occurred in people who travelled to areas of concern in Asia, or had close contact with SARS cases in their homes or in a health-care setting. Symptoms include a high fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.

The Health Department has a SARS Response Plan for the province. It includes policies and procedures for:

• Surveillance
• Public health measures
• Communication
• Health services and medical supplies
• Emergency preparedness and response.

The following are a few of the actions that are being taken to implement the plan:

• Nova Scotia public health officials participate in daily conference calls (including weekends) with Health Canada and counterparts across the country, and are in regular contact with other government departments and agencies whose assistance would be required in the event of an outbreak.
• Information was provided to physicians and emergency room staff throughout the province on March 19, telling them how to identify SARS, what precautions need to be taken if they suspect that a patient has SARS, and what procedures to use with a possible case. This includes immediately notifying officials at Public Health, who will begin determining where the disease was contracted and who else might be at risk. Updates are done as required.
• Health Minister Jane Purves is bringing regulatory changes to the Health Act to cabinet this week that would give Public Health officials the authority to quarantine probable SARS cases and their contacts.
• Public Health officials are working with Emergency Health Services (EHS), the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) and several other government departments to ensure that procedures, personnel, and supplies (including masks, gowns and gloves) are in place in the event of an outbreak.
• A Health Canada initiative ensures that passengers returning on international flights from Asia are being assessed upon arrival for flu-like symptoms. Travellers are provided with "yellow cards" containing information on SARS symptoms and instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms.