KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County is announcing the results of a new round of investigations and six new suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in King County residents. The total number of suspected SARS cases in King County is now 11.
"These cases vary in travel histories and when symptoms began, but they all share the fact that they have recovered or are on the road to recovery," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Persons who have fever and respiratory illnesses within 10 days of travel to certain countries in Asia or contact with ill travelers from these countries need to take special precautions."
The new suspected SARS cases involve:
- a 32-year-old female who traveled to China
- a 41-year-old male health care worker
- a 52-year-old male who traveled to Hong Kong
- a 59-year-old male who traveled to China
- a 55-year-old male who traveled to Singapore
- a 30-year-old male who traveled to Hong Kong and mainland China
In all suspected cases, Public Health has done extensive investigations, and there is no evidence of additional transmissions and of community transmissions.
Starting today, updates on the number of suspected cases in King County will be updated Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. at: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/sars. This SARS website also has information for the general public and medical providers.
SARS is a new, communicable, respiratory disease that appears to have emerged from parts of Asia and can lead to pneumonia. Although the precise cause remains unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization say there is evidence it may be caused by a new coronavirus.
The definition of a SARS case is evolving as more is learned about this emerging disease. For current case definition, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/
