Infection Control Guidance for Airport Staff
SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)

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The following fact sheet is intended for people who work at airports in Canada that receive flights from areas experiencing outbreaks of SARS. Please be advised that as more information about the cause of this illness becomes available, the information provided below may change.

To minimize the risk of transmission of this disease in the airport setting the following actions are being taken:

1. Airline cabin crew on flights from World Health Organization affected areas are being advised to watch for the following symptoms in passengers on their flights: fever, coughing, difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath. They have received instructions on how to manage sick passengers, which includes the use of masks and notification of the airport authority in advance of arrival of the flight.
   
   
2. If you are involved in transporting the sick passenger through the airport, you will need an N-95 mask to wear and will be asked to avoid transporting the passenger through crowds as much as possible. The symptomatic passenger should have been given a surgical mask when symptoms are noted.
   
   
3. Quarantine Officers have been deployed to the Vancouver International Airport, Dorval International Airport and Pearson International Airport. They will provide on-site direction regarding the management of passengers suspected to have SARS, and the screening of well passengers.
   
   
4. All well, passengers returning from World Health Organization affected areas will receive information regarding SARS, including what to do if they develop symptoms. You do not need to use special precautions, for example gloves or masks, for your normal dealing with well passengers without any symptoms.

Hand washing is the most important hygiene measure in preventing the spread of infection

To protect yourself, you should wash your hands with soap and water frequently and avoid close, prolonged contact with anyone who has symptoms of cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. Contact with tissues, surfaces, etc. containing body fluids should be avoided. If you do have contact with tissues, secretions, etc, use gloves and be sure to wash hands after contact (as above). Routine use of gloves and masks in dealing with asymptomatic persons is not recommended. Use of gloves and a mask is recommended for dealing directly with symptomatic and ill persons.

If you think you might be a "suspect case of SARS", you should immediately phone your doctor or public health office for advice. When you call, be sure to tell the doctor or nurse your symptoms, whether you have traveled and where you have travelled to, and whether you have had contact with someone with SARS.

For general information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), please see "Fact Sheet on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)", or visit the Health Canada website at:http://www.SARS.gc.ca or phone 1-800-454-8302.