Severe acute respiratory syndrome is new challenge for medical professionals (page 3 of 3)

However, gloves are not intended to replace proper hand hygiene. Immediately after activities involving contact with body fluids, like respiratory secretion, urine stool etc. hands should be cleaned. Gloves must never be washed or reused.

• Each patient with SARS should be advised to cover his or her mouth and nose with a facial tissue when coughing or sneezing. If possible, a SARS patient should wear a surgical mask during close contact with uninfected persons to prevent spread of infectious droplets.

• Sharing of eating utensils, towels, and bedding between SARS patients and others should be avoided.

• Household waste soiled with body fluids of SARS patients, including facial tissues and surgical masks, may be discarded as normal waste.

• Household members and other close contacts of SARS patients should be actively monitored by the local health department for illness.

Protective measures:
• Prompt identification of persons with SARS, their movements and contacts;

• Effective isolation of SARS patients in hospitals;

• Appropriate protection of medical staff treating these patients;

• Comprehensive identification and isolation of suspected SARS cases;

• Exit screening of international travelers;

• Timely and accurate reporting and sharing of information with other authorities and/or governments.