Interim Guidelines about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for Persons Traveling to SARS-Affected Areas

CDC has issued a travel advisory suggesting that people planning elective or nonessential travel to mainland China and  Taiwan may wish to postpone their trips until further notice. CDC has reissued a travel alert for Toronto, Canada,recommending that U.S. travelers observe precautions to safeguard their health.   It has downgraded recommendations for Hong Kong from and advisory to an alert. It has lifted the travel alert for Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore.

If you decide to go ahead with your travel to an area with SARS, please keep the following guidelines in mind.

Before you leave:

• Assemble a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies. Be sure to include a thermometer, household disinfectant, a supply of surgical masks and disposable gloves (for use if you or someone you are traveling with becomes ill with SARS), and alcohol-based hand rubs for hand hygiene.
• Inform yourself and others who may be traveling with you about SARS.
• Be sure you are up to date with all your shots, and see your health-care provider at least four to six weeks before travel to get any additional shots or information you may need.
• You may wish to check your health insurance plan or get additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in the event of illness.
• Identify in-country healthcare resources in advance of your trip.

While you are in an area with SARS:

• To protect against SARS infection, wash your hands frequently.
• To minimize the possibility of infection, you may wish to avoid close contact with large numbers of people as much as possible. CDC does not recommend the routine use of masks or other personal protective equipment while in public areas.