Saturday, March 29, 2003, 18:50 EST (6:50 PM EST)
CDCHAN-00133-03-03-29-UPD-N
Updated Interim U.S Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Case Definition
MARCH 29, 2003 Posted version, 17:00
The previous CDC SARS case definition (published March 22, 2003) has been updated as follows:
- Areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS have been expanded to include all of mainland China in addition to areas previously listed.
Suspected Case:
Respiratory illness of unknown etiology with onset since February 1, 2003, and the following criteria:
· Measured temperature $100.5 °F (>38° C) AND
· One or more clinical findings of respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hypoxia, or radiographic findings of either pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome) AND
· Travel within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS (see list below; excludes areas with secondary cases limited to healthcare workers or direct household contacts) OR
Close contact* within 10 days of onset of symptoms with either a person with a respiratory illness who traveled to a SARS area or a person known to be a suspect SARS case.
*Close contact is defined as having cared for, having lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a patient known to be a suspect SARS case.
Areas with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS: Peoples' Republic of China (i.e., mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region); Hanoi, Vietnam; and Singapore
Note: Suspect cases with either radiographic evidence of pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome; or evidence of unexplained respiratory distress syndrome by autopsy are designated "probable" cases by the WHO case definition.
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