SARS Advice

Last updated 08/10/03

A summary of the current situation and official advice.

What measures is Warwick University taking to protect students and staff against SARS?

The University's approach is to promote awareness of the symptoms of SARS among all its students and staff, seeking their vigilance for any possible symptoms of infection in themselves or among their colleagues. Advice has been issued to all residential staff, academic departments and other centres. For latest details, please see 'World Health Organisation' below or www.who.int/csr/sars/en.

In response to these measures and all the general publicity about SARS, there is already a higher level of vigilance across the campus. Whilst it is important that all staff and students remain alert to the potential hazard of SARS, the normal life of the University community continues.

Background

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS is the term being used to describe a serious respiratory illness which has been reported in 2003 in parts of East and South East Asia. The main symptoms of SARS are high fever (greater than 38 degrees Celsius), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Changes in chest X-rays indicative of pneumonia also occur. SARS may be associated with other symptoms, including headaches, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhoea. Reports suggest that chances of recovery should be about 90 percent, if the victim was not suffering another dangerous disease, and was treated early.

World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation advises on affected areas and currently has no specific advisory policies in relation to SARS

Latest information can be found at:

For updated travel advice also see:



Advice from the Infectious Diseases Control Consultant

Dr Madhu Bardhan, the Infectious Diseases Control Consultant for Coventry, has advised that anyone returning from an SARS affected area who develops a cold or cough, has difficulty breathing or has a very high temperature should seek medical advice. (The very high temperature is important as this does not occur with a common cold or cough.)

The following staff should be contacted in case of any queries:

Donald Beaton, Director or Personnel Services
Tel: 22728, E mail: D.D.Beaton@warwick.ac.uk
Departments may alternatively contact their Personnel Advisers for guidance.

Paul Greatrix, Director of Student and Ancillary Services
Tel: 24768, Email: P.M.Greatrix@warwick.ac.uk

John Cunnington, Senior Warden
Tel: 28456 (Home: 23149), Email: Caroline.Peck@warwick.ac.uk

Staff at the International Office
Tel: 23706, Email: J.C.Inegbedion@warwick.ac.uk

Tel: 24982, E mail: Jackie.Pinks@warwick.ac.uk

The situation while stable at present may change again in future and those intending to travel are strongly advised to seek up to the minute advice. Students should be advised to be aware of one another and to persuade a friend about whom they might be concerned to seek medical advice.

Please do be aware of the symptoms and, if concerned then please:

  • Advise your Resident Tutor or warden (if a student on campus)
  • Contact your doctor

Travel Insurance

The Finance Office advises important conditions affecting the University's AonProtect policy covering travel to particular areas. For detailed information please visit http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/insurance/ then click on travel (requires login).